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Endodontics
What
Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy (endodontics treats disorders of the nerve Pulp) of the
tooth. It used to be that a tooth with a diseased or infected nerve had
to be removed. In 95 percent of these cases today. However, this is no longer
true. We believe in saving teeth instead of removing them and we will make
every effort to save yours
Why
Do I Need A Root Canal?
Trauma: a physical blow to a tooth or a constant striking in the opposite
jaw that traumatizes the tooth.
Physical irritation: deep decay or a very large filling. Regardless of
the initial cause, the tooth pulp becomes irritated and an abscess (infection)
occurs. Bacteria from your saliva grow within the tooth pulp, causing
pressure and pain. Eventually the pulp dies, causing the bone around the
tooth to be destroyed.
What's
Going To Happen?
Once it has been determined (with X-rays and clinical examination) that
root canal treatment is necessary, you will be scheduled for one or more
appointments. It's important that you keep these appointments, in order
to prevent delays in treatment and healing. It s also essential that you
take all antibiotics and medications prescribed. To hasten healing and
reduce swelling. Should you experience pain that cannot be controlled
with the prescribed medication (this is unusual but as a precaution call
our office immediately.)
- First,
the tooth may be isolated with a piece of rubber dam. This confines
the treatment area and protects the mouth from bacteria and chemical
agents. An opening is made through the crown into the pulp. (Your tooth
may be numbed prior to this procedure. )
- We
then carefully remove the diseased pulp. The root canal area inside
your tooth is cleaned, enlarged and shaped.
- Throughout
the root canal procedure we take X-rays to ensure that all of the infected
pulp is removed and that the walls inside the canal are smooth.
- The
root canal and pulp chamber are permanently filled and sealed.
Care
Following Treatment
Once the root canal treatment has been completed, yon should be aware of
the following considerations:
- Discoloration:
You may notice that your endodontically treated tooth (particularly
a front tooth) has undergone a change in color.
- Brittleness:
A non-vital (endodontically treated) tooth is more brittle than a vital
one and is more susceptible to fracture. Therefore, we recommend that
your root canal tooth be crowned (capped) following treatment. Ask us
if you are considering having this done.
We will
make every effort to ensure your comfort during root canal treatment. And
we're happy to answer any questions you may have. Our concern is your comfort
and confidence. Our goal is to help preserve your natural teeth for a lifetime.
We believe in saving teeth (instead of removing them) and we will make every
effort to save yours!
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