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Root Canal Treatment
(Endodontics)
Keeping your natural teeth will be easy with our pain free and effective pulp and tooth preservation techniques
The Value of Root Canal Treatment
If your finger had an infection that could be healed, would you try to keep the finger or permanently remove it from your hand? Although there are many effective and long lasting tooth replacement options available in modern dentistry, keeping the natural tooth as long as possible is still the best option for most people.
Biocompatibility
The natural tooth was made by our body and will interact with our body more comfortably and effortlessly than a prosthetic (fake tooth). It is easier to keep clean, is more resistant to gum disease, more adaptable to changes in the mouth, and fits more seamlessly with other teeth and structures in the mouth.
Facial Balance
Once we lose a tooth our mouth is out of balance and other issues will develop. Our muscles can become sore or enlarged on one side of the face. The bone that once supported the missing tooth will start to shrink away since it is no longer being used. Our facial shape appears shortened and unnatural as more teeth and bone are lost without replacing them. This is the reason why some elderly people who have lost multiple teeth may appear to have a smaller face as they age.
Oral Balance
Teeth beside the removed one will start to tip sideways and grow out of the gum, gradually changing the way we chew and talk. This can also cause damage to the gum on the opposite side. Chewing can become uncomfortable as food becomes trapped in the gaps left by the removed or overgrown teeth and can make it easier for cavities to form.
Unfortunately there are some situations when we cannot keep the tooth. When this happens it's best to explore options to replace it. Call our clinic to discuss these options with one of our dental providers, in the meantime visit our page Tooth Replacement for some general information.
Cases for Root Canal Treatment
There are many situations where a root canal treatment is the best option for your tooth. Here are some examples of the cases where they should be considered:
Pulpal infection from large cavities: bacteria in cavities break down tooth structure. Eventually the pulp is infected and inflamed (pulpitis).
Cracked teeth: cracks running deep in the tooth may reach the pulp to cause inflammation and damage.
Trauma: broken teeth from sports, heavy biting when stressed or eating. Sometimes no obvious changes are seen until years after the day of the trauma.
Resorption: more rarely, the body can start to resorb (eat away) at itself from inside the root canal, or from outside moving in to the pulp. The reasons behind this are more complex and often difficult to detect.
Poor bone healing: certain medications make it difficult to remove a tooth, so root canal treatment is a better option long term. One example is bisphosphonates (osteoporosis medication) which slows the healing of the bone and can result in a secondary infection if the tooth is removed.
For most cases, the best outcomes are achieved when treatment is done as soon as it's identified. If left untreated for too long the pulp and surrounding area can deteriorate. Treatment becomes more costly and difficult to complete. It is best to book with one of our dental clinicians for a thorough assessment to discuss your situation, as the reasons for requiring root canal treatment are complex.
Our clinicians can help demystify the complex oral health conditions experienced by the community and discuss when root canal treatment is the best for you
Root Canal Treatment Appointments
Usually 3 to 4 appointments are needed to complete root canal treatment but may be more or less depending on the situation. X-rays are taken a few times during this process to make sure it is sealed well at the end and to check for abnormalities that may be present before starting treatment.
Removing the Infection and Pulp
All or part of the infected pulp is removed and medication is placed to kill bacteria that may still be present in the root canal. After a few weeks the tooth is reviewed to make sure the infection in under control.
Between appointments care should be taken with chewing hard, crunchy or sticky foods as the temporary filling used between appointments is not as strong as a permanent filling.
Sealing the Canal
If the tooth is responding well then the root canal is sealed at both ends to ensure the bacteria cannot re-enter.
A filling will be placed after the root canal is done to seal the root canal. Usually a stronger material such as a porcelain or metal crown may be required to maintain the strength of the tooth, especially if a lot of the original tooth has broken down.
Maintaining Root Canal Treated Teeth
Brushing correctly twice a day and cleaning between teeth at least once daily is the best way to take care of a root canal treated tooth. Limiting sugary and acidic foods will slow down the damage from plaque. Drinking water after every meal and snack to wash away the sugar and food debris will help too.
Keep monitoring any signs and symptoms between appointments to ensure the tooth is responding to treatment. If the condition worsens, it would be best to contact the clinic for a sooner appointment.
You can visit our page Home Oral Habits for more information about home care tools and techniques and healthy diets.
Inspiration for Your Smile!
Contact our friendly team to learn more about how we can help you maintain your priceless teeth. You can find our phone number and address at the top and bottom of the webpage.
If you would like more information about the conditions when a root canal may be required, please book and appointment to talk our knowledgeable clinicians. In the meantime, visit our pages Chipped and Cracked Teeth, Dental Trauma, Tooth Resorption to learn more about associated oral health conditions. To see more of the other services that we offer visit our page Our Services to know more.