What Happens During Endodontic Treatment?
First you normally have a local anaesthetic. Then the tooth is cleaned up and isolated from the other teeth by means of rubber dam, a piece of latex, to keep the tooth dry and to protect the rest of the mouth. The tooth is opened to allow access to the damaged root; the opening will depend on the shape of the roots. Teeth vary a lot in shape and anatomy and it is important to be able to get to the entire damaged root.
Once the access is good, the damaged nerve tissue is removed from the pulp chamber and root. Very fine instruments are used to carefully shape and clean the root system. The tooth is rinsed clean and if not completed in one visit a temporary medicated dressing is placed inside the tooth, covered by a temporary filling. It is important to keep the tooth sealed from more bacteria during the healing process, so let your dentist know if you think you have lost the temporary dressing. X-rays are taken at various stages to confirm that the instruments fully reach the end of the roots. Sometimes the dentist uses an electronic apexlocator to measure the length of the individual root.
When the dentist is happy that all infection has cleared up the roots are sealed with a permanent sealer, usually based on a gutta percha point cemented into the root with special root cement. Since a root treated tooth can become more brittle and prone to fractures it is usually restored with a porcelain crown to prevent future fractures.
What if I have a Temporary or Build up placed after treatment?
If you have a temporary restoration after the treatment it is important to see your dentist for the final restoration since a temporary filling is only designed to last for a limited time. If you loose your temporary, let your dentist know!
If you had a core build-up after the root treatment, it is important to have the final restoration fitted as the root otherwise can get infected again.
Will I need to return to your office for Additional Visits?
Once the root is filled permanently the tooth needs to be monitored regularly, usually every 6-12 months. This is to make sure the bone is healing well and that all is going well. Since bone is a slow healer we often monitor teeth for up to 2 years!
How do I know the Endodontic Procedure will be Successful?
There are of course no guarantees in life, but endodontic treatment has nowadays a high success rate; 80-90 %. Your dentist will discuss the likely outcome before treatment. Your dentist may during treatment find very narrow or curved canals or even root fractures that make root treatment impossible, if so, he will discuss the alternatives with you. If after all the treatment is not enough there are still numerous options available.
Will I feel pain during or after the procedure?
While many patients suffer a great deal of pain before a root canal treatment, most settle very quickly. Most patients will find they are very comfortable during treatment due to the local anaesthesia. The first few days after root treatment the tooth can still be sore and sensitive; this is normal and is usually controlled well with normal over the counter painkillers if needed. If the tooth was very painful from infection or inflammation before the treatment, it may take a few days to settle fully. Your dentist will advice you on how to care for your tooth after your procedure.
What happens if I have no treatment at all?
If you don’t have any treatment the infection under the tooth will become chronic and more difficult to treat. You risk swelling, spread of the infection , cyst formation, loss of bone around the roots and premature loss of the tooth, so don’t wait – get it treated as soon as possible!
What happens if I have to have an extraction?
It is important to restore the space following an extraction, not just for cosmetic reasons but to prevent shifting of teeth, gum problems and a change in the bite.
To restore the space you have several options; you can have a bridge, a denture or a titanium implant, Wensleydale will be happy to advise the best route of treatment for you.
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