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Root Canal Therapy
Years ago, diseased or damaged teeth were removed. Today, modern
dental techniques are able to save your teeth. One of the most
common approaches to saving teeth is called Root Canal Therapy
or in dental terminology, Endodontic Treatment. Root canal therapy
is generally necessary when the pulp, which contains the nerves
and blood supply of the tooth, is diseased or damaged. The disease
or damage may be caused by a number of situations. For example,
bacteria from a deep cavity can enter the pulp and cause infection.
Or, the tooth may be injured in such a way that the blood supply
is ruptured or the nerve damaged. A third possibility is a fracture
of the tooth itself which exposes the pulp to bacteria normally
found in the mouth. A fourth possibility would be gum (periodontal)
disease so severe that it causes infection of the pulp, too.
All of these conditions can cause severe toothaches. Or, deterioration
of the pulp may happen so gradually that it is nearly painless.
In any event, when these situations exist, the tooth should
be treated by root canal therapy, or it will be lost. |
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What is involved in root canal
therapy?
The first step taken will be to remove the pulp tissue and carefully
clean the pulp chamber and root canals. This is done through
a small opening in the crown of the tooth. (If you are experiencing
severe pain from the tooth, this will usually provide dramatic
relief.) Once the tooth has been cleaned, medicine is then placed
in the tooth and it is temporarily sealed. However, if severe
infection is present, we may leave the tooth open for a few
days to promote drainage. We may at times prescribe an antibiotic
to help control the infection.
If a cyst or large area of infection is present at the tip of
the root, it may be necessary to remove it surgically. This
is called periapical surgery (or an apicoectomy) and is done
through the gum.
The treatment program generally will be finished in one to five
appointments depending on the tooth and its condition. When
we are sure the tooth is free of infection, we will fill the
inside of the tooth and canals with gutta-percha, a rubber-like
material, to prevent bacteria from entering the tooth. Once
this is completed, the tooth should be restored and strengthened
with a crown |
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Will the treatment be painful?
Many of the treatments can even be done without local anesthesia.
However, if we anticipate any discomfort, a local anesthetic
will be given. Sometimes there may be temporary irritation of
the tissues surrounding the tooth following treatment. You will
be advised of medication to control this. |
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