There is no need to be anxious if you need a root canal and you’ll see why here. This informative video walks you through each step of the procedure and explains how we can save your teeth.
What is Root Canal Treatment
During root canal treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Afterwards, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.
How long will my tooth last after Root Treatment?
Although the pulp is removed, your tooth can survive because the tooth continues to be nourished by the surrounding tissues. With regular brushing and flossing, proper diet and periodic dental checkups your tooth should last a lifetime. While there is no guarantee, the success rate of endodontic procedures is very high. Most teeth are saveable, however, if we feel that your tooth has a poor prognosis you will be informed of this at the time of the consultation. Occasionally an endodontically treated tooth may need an additional surgical procedure or have to be removed.
Does Root Canal Treatment hurt?
From a patient’s point of view, modern root canal treatment is not too dissimilar to having a routine filling and, depending on the condition of the tooth, is usually completed in one or two appointments. With good anaesthesia and post-treatment pain management, you can expect a comfortable experience during and after your appointment.
What are the alternatives to Root Treatment?
Often the only other alternative is removal of the tooth. The extracted tooth may then need replaceing with an implant, bridge or removable partial denture to restore chewing function and to prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. Because these options require extensive surgery or dental procedures on adjacent healthy teeth, they can be far more costly and time consuming than the endodontic procedure and restoration of the natural tooth. No matter how effective tooth replacements are, nothing is as good as your own natural tooth.
What should I do after root treatment?
You should avoid biting or chewing anything hard on the treated tooth until the tooth is fully restored with a permanent filling or crown by Tony or by your referring dentist. We like to see this happen within 30 days of your root canal to avoid loss of the temporary filling, bacterial leakage, reinfection or tooth fracture. An unrestored tooth can fracture so prompt completion of the treatment of your tooth is necessary following the root canal therapy.
What if I don’t treat my tooth?
The inflamed pulp tissue inside the tooth will eventually break down and die. Once this happens, bacteria have access to the jaw bone and to your blood system. This leads to bone destruction, swelling or drainage from the gum. Once enough bone is destroyed the only treatment option would be to remove your tooth. An untreated infection has the potential for facial swelling, which can lead to life threatening situations of obstructed airway or brain abscess. Some studies suggest that untreated chronic jaw infections are linked to systemic health problems such as heart disease.