Chances are that you or a family member have been told that a root canal is necessary to save a tooth. Or perhaps root canal therapy is already underway. In either case, it’s important that you understand what will happen during root canal treatment and why this procedure is necessary to save the tooth.
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?
There are several reasons. The most common are:
1. Trauma-a physical blow to a tooth or a constant striking of a tooth in the opposite jaw that traumatizes the tooth.
2. Physical irritation-deep decay or a very large
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. In some cases the face may swell. 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 a precaution) call our office immediately.
Here’s how your tooth can be saved with endodontic treatment.
Care Following Treatment
Once the root canal treatment has been completed, you 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. While this is of no great medical concern, you may be interested in having the tooth bleached. Be sure to ask us about tooth bleaching.
Brittleness-A non-vital (endodontically treated) tooth is more brittle than a vital one, and is more susceptible to fracture. Therefore, we frequently recommend that your root canal tooth be crowned (capped) following treatment. Please ask us if this is appropriate in your case.