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Root Canal report!
What is a root canal?
Underneath your tooth's outer enamel and within the dentin
is an area of soft tissue called the pulp, which carries the tooth's nerves,
veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Root canals are very small, thin divisions
that branch off from the top pulp chamber down to the tip of the root.
A tooth has at least one but typically no more than four root canals.
Why do I feel pain?
When the pulp becomes infected due to a deep cavity or
fracture that allows bacteria to seep in, or injury due to trauma, it can
die. Damaged or dead pulp causes increased blood flow and cellular activity,
and pressure cannot be relieved from inside the tooth. Pain in the tooth
is commonly felt when biting down, chewing on it and applying hot or cold
foods and drinks.
Why do I need root canal therapy?
Because the tooth will not heal by itself. Without treatment,
the infection will spread, bone around the tooth will begin to degenerate,
and the tooth may fall out. Pain usually worsens until one is forced to
seek emergency dental attention. The only alternative is usually extraction
of the tooth, which can cause surrounding teeth to shift crookedly, resulting
in a bad bite. Though an extraction is cheaper, the space left behind will
require an implant or a bridge, which can be more expensive than root canal
therapy. If you nave the choice, it's always best to keep your original
teeth.
What is involved in root canal
therapy?
Once your general dentist performs tests on the tooth
and recommends therapy, he or she can perform the treatment or refer you
to an endodontist (a pulp specialist). Treatment usually involves one to
three appointments. First, you will probably be given a local anesthetic
to numb the area. A rubber sheet is then placed around the tooth to isolate
it. Next, a gap is drilled from the crown into the pulp chamber, which,
along with any infected root canal, is cleaned of all diseased pulp and
reshaped. Medication may be inserted into the area to fight bacteria. Depending
on the condition of the tooth, the crown may then be sealed temporarily
to guard against recontamination, or the tooth may be left open to drain,
or the dentist may go right ahead and fill the canals. If you're given
a temporary filling, usually on the next visit it's removed and the pulp
chamber and canal(s) are filled with rubber-like gutta percha or another
material to prevent recontamination. If the tooth is still weak, a metal or
fiber post may be inserted above the canal filling to reinforce the tooth. Once
filled, the area is permanently sealed. Finally, a gold or porcelain crown
is normally placed over the tooth to strengthen its structure and improve
appearance.
What are the risks and complications?
More than 95 percent of root canal treatments are successful.
However, sometimes a case needs to be redone due to diseased canal offshoots
that went unnoticed or the fracturing of a canal filing instrument used,
both of which rarely occur. Occasionally, a root canal therapy will fail
altogether, marked by a return of pain.
What happens after treatment?
Natural tissue inflammation may cause discomfort for
a few days, which can be controlled by an over-the-counter analgesic. A
follow-up exam can monitor tissue healing. From this point on, brush and
floss regularly, avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth, and see
your dentist regularly.