ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
Endodontic treatment, also known as Root Canal Treatment, treats infected nerve pulp.
The nerve pulp is a network of blood vessels and nerves at the center of a tooth.
These blood vessels and nerves usually help build the tooth structure that surrounds them, but trauma particularly deep decay, cracks, chips and frequent dental procedures can lead to significant infections marked by visible injuries to the tooth, swelling and increased pain and sensitivity to the tooth and gums
REASONS WHY A TOOTH NEEDS A ROOT CANAL
Tooth Infection
Teeth with a dental infection from a large tooth cavity that reaches the nerve it can have root canal treatment as an alternative to doing a tooth removal..
Fractured Tooth
Teeth fracturing that exposes the nerve can be rescued with a root canal. After a filling and crown are completed to strengthen the tooth.
Large Cavity:
Teeth with large tooth decay (cavity) and infection can be saved with a root canal to help treat the dental tooth infection or toothache pain.
GETTING A ROOT CANAL:
HOW A ROOT CANAL IS DONE?
Root canal therapy focuses on removing injured, diseased pulp following local anesthesia and sedation (nitrous oxide or oral sedation is also available upon need or request) over the course of one or more office visits. In the process, Dr. Soordhar will thoroughly clean and seal the root canal system. This process successfully treats about 90 per cent of candidates’ cases, but the success rate depends of various factor.
WHAT IS DONE TO THE TOOTH AFTER A ROOT CANAL?
Dr. Soordhar will recommend an ideal restoration (White Filling or Crown) to protect your tooth after completing the root canal therapy, along with continued good dental hygiene practices.
CROWN FOR A ROOT CANAL TOOTH
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT FOR A ROOT CANAL
Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction or getting a tooth pulled is an alternative treatment to getting a root canal for dental tooth infection or fractured cracked tooth. The missing tooth can be replaced with a dental implant, dental bridge, or denture/flipper.
Dental Implant
A dental implant is an alternative treatment option for a root canal after the tooth has been extracted.
A dental implant can be placed immediately with the dental extraction (Immediate Dental Implant Placement) OR a delayed placement of the dental implant after the bone graft has healed (Delayed Dental Implant Placement)
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is an alternative treatment to getting a root canal. The infected tooth will be extracted and the missing tooth will be replaced by a dental bridge.
A bone graft can be completed to maintain the esthetics and shape of the bone so it doesn't shrink and the bridge looks natural.
Flipper & Denture
A front tooth can be replaced with a denture flipper or a back tooth can be replaced with a partial denture as an alternative treatment to getting a root canal.
The infected tooth will be removed (extracted) and can be bone grafted to maintain the esthetic and shape of the bone. The missing tooth will be replaced with a denture or flipper.
AFTER ROOT CANAL TREATMENT:
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
In order to allow the best and quickest healing, Dr. Soordhar will provide you with specific instructions and medications after your Root Canal Treatment.
Here are some general tips on how to make your root canal treatment recovery as quick and painless as possible:
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Take the pain killer medication and antibiotics as prescribed and on time. Do not skip any dose or stop taking the medication because you are feeling better, the medication is helping with your recovery.
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Use hot salt water rinses every 4-6 hours; the water should be hot enough to be able to drink and not burn yourself.
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Minimize biting or chewing on hard foods on the root canal treated tooth for 2-4 weeks.
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Brush and floss your teeth normally including the root canal-treated tooth.
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Swelling is extremely rare after root canal treatment but it is an indication the root canal did not take and the infection is getting worse. You will have to notify our office immediately so we can treat the swelling.
