Root Canal Treatment
Goodbye Pain
Gone are the days of the dreaded “Root Canal”. In today’s dentistry, root canal treatment doesn’t have to be uncomfortable at all. Through our early detection techniques and modern medicine, anaesthetics and equipment the once deathly feared procedure is no different than having a filling done.
Teeth that undergo an inflammatory shift from being healthy to unhealthy, usually require root canal treatment to alleviate severe discomfort. Teeth can become damaged due to cavities (decay), cracks, periodontal disease and even old large restorations.
As a tooth becomes inflamed it swells on the inside, an area called the pulp. As the pulp tissue swells pressure is exerted on the nerve of the tooth causing sometimes severe discomfort. Because a tooth is a hard structure, there is no way for this increasing pressure to be dissipated. Subsequently the tooth must be opened, the pressure relieved, cleaned and sterilized and finally filled.
Essentially root canal treatment involves cleaning out the infected material within the tooth, sterilizing the inside of the tooth and filling it with a rubber-like material called gutta percha. Once filled and completely healed, this tooth will no longer present any uncomfortable symptoms.
Please keep in mind that typically following root canal treatment a new crown is likely to be indicated. Due to the fact that root canalled teeth dry out over time and become more brittle as time goes by, and due to the fact that typically a lot of tooth structure has been lost, it will be necessary to place a full-coverage restoration such as a crown to ensure the tooth does not fracture.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges.
At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums.
How is a root canal performed?
If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. We use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.
What happens after treatment?
Once we have been assured that the symptoms have been totally resolved. Typically, the tooth will require restorative treatment. In most cases, but not all, the tooth may require a crown to restore proper strength and function. Dr. Bartsch will be happy to explain your treatment objectives in greater detail on a case by case basis.
How much will it cost?
The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.