Root Canal - Endodontic Procedures

Chances are that you or a family member have been told that a root canal is necessary to save a
tooth. Or perhaps root canal therapy is already underway. In either case, it’s important that you
understand what will happen during root canal treatment and why this procedure is necessary to
save the tooth.

1. What Is Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy (endodontics) treats disorders of the nerve (pulp) of the tooth. It used to be
that a tooth with a disease or infected nerve had to be removed. In 95 percent of these cases
today, however, this is no longer true. We believe in saving teeth (instead of removing them) and
we will make every effort to save yours!

2. Why Do I Need A Root Canal?
There are several reasons. The most common are:

• Trauma - a physical blow to a tooth or a constant striking of a tooth in the opposite jaw that
traumatizes the tooth.
• Physical irritation - deep decay or a very large filling.

Regardless of the initial cause, the tooth pulp becomes irritated and an abcess (infection) occurs.
Bacteria from your saliva grow within the tooth pulp, causing pressure and pain. In some cases
the face may swell. Eventually the pulp dies, causing the bone around the tooth to be destroyed.

3. What’s Going To Happen?
Once it has been determined (with x-rays and clinical examination) that root canal treatment is
necessary, you will be scheduled for one or more appointments. It’s important that you keep these
appointments, in order to prevent delays in treatment and healing. It’s also essential that you take
all antibiotics and medications prescribed, to hasten healing and reduce swelling. Should you
experience pain that cannot be controlled with the prescribed medication (this is unusual, but a
precaution) call our office immediately.

Here’s how your tooth can be saved with endodontic treatment:

• First, the tooth may be isolated with a piece of rubber dam. This confines the treatment area
 and protects the mouth from bacteria and chemical agents. An opening is made through the
 crown into the pulp. (Your tooth will be numbed prior to this procedure).
• We then carefully remove the diseased pulp. The root canal area inside your tooth is cleaned,
 enlarged and shaped. Then, depending on your individual case, the root canal(s) and pulp
 chamber may be permanently filled and sealed. In some cases, however, we place a temporary
 medication in the tooth to control bacterial growth and reduce infection.
• A temporary filling is placed in the opening of the tooth until the next visit. In some cases,
 however, the tooth may be left open. This allows the infection to drain.
• At the next appointment we sterilize the inside of the tooth, to remove the bacteria.
 Throughout the root canal procedure we take x-rays to ensure that all of the infected pulp is
 removed and that the walls inside the canal are smooth.
• Finally, the tooth is fully restored to chewing function.

4. Care Following Treatment.
Once the root canal treatment has been completed, you should be aware of the following
considerations:

• Discoloration - You may notice that your endodontically treated tooth (particularly a front
 tooth) has undergone a change in color. While this is of no great medical concern, you may be
 interested in having the tooth bleached. Be sure to ask us about tooth bleaching.
• Brittleness - A nonvital (endontically treated) tooth is more brittle than a vital one, and is
 more susceptible to fracture. Therefore, we recommend that your root canal tooth be crowned
 (capped) following treatment. Ask us if you are considering having this done.

5. If You Have Further Questions...
Throughout your root canal treatment you may have questions or concerns not covered in this
site. We will make every effort to ensure your comfort during root canal treatment. And we’re
happy to answer any questions you may have. Our concern is your comfort and confidence. Our
goal is to help preserve your natural teeth for a lifetime.