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Chances are that you or a family member have been told that a root canal is necessary to save a tooth. It is important that you understand what will happen during root canal treatment and why this procedure is necessary to save the tooth.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy (endontics) treats disorders of the nerve (pulp) of the tooth. Years ago, a tooth with a diseased or infected nerve had to be removed or extracted. In over 95 percent of these cases today, however, this is no longer true. We believe in saving teeth (instead of extracting them) and we will make every effort to save yours!
Why Do Teeth Need Root Canal Therapy?
There are numerous reasons why teeth need root canal treatment but the two most common causes are:
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Physical irritation of the nerve or pulp. Deep decay present in a tooth can physically irritate the nerve. Also, large or deep fillings that are close to the nerve can also cause nerve irritation. These fillings may have been placed a few days prior to the onset of symptoms. Conversely, the fillings may have been placed years prior to any symptoms of nerve irritation.
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Trauma in the form of a physical blow to a tooth can cause nerve irritation. The trauma may have been recent or many years in the past. Also, trauma resulting in physical fracture of the tooth close to or near the nerve results in nerve damage.
Regardless of the cause, the nerve in the tooth becomes irritated and an abscess (infection) occurs. This abscess causes pressure to grow within the tooth which causes pain and may cause facial swelling. Sometimes the pulp dies, causing some of the bone around the roots to be destroyed.
Course of Treatment During Root Canal Therapy
Once it has been determined (with x-rays and clinical examination) that root canal treatment is necessary, it will take one or more appointments to complete the therapy. It is very important that patients keep these appointments for treatments to be smooth and successful. Antibiotics and pain medication may be prescribed, and it is essential that these medications be taken as directed.
How is Root Canal Therapy Done?
  1. After getting the tooth numb with strong anesthetic solutions and isolating the tooth with a rubber dam, an opening is made through the top portion of the tooth into the pulp.
2. The pulp is then carefully removed and the root canal area inside your mouth is cleaned, enlarged, shaped and sterilized.
In some cases, the root canal therapy may be completed in this one appointment by permanently filling and sealing the root canal area. In other cases, a temporary medication and filling is placed in the tooth at this time. Sometimes, if a tooth is badly infected, the tooth may be left open which allows the infection to drain.
  3. At the subsequent visit, the root canal is finished by permanently filling and sealing the root canal area inside the tooth. X-rays are taken at various points during the procedure to ensure that all of the infected pulp is removed and that the whole canal is sealed upon completion of treatment.
4. After the root canal treatment is completed, a permanent filling or restoration will need to be placed into the opening that was made in the tooth.
What to Expect Following Root Canal Therapy:
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A tooth that has had root canal treatment, especially a front tooth, may undergo a change in color. It may appear darker than the teeth surrounding it. While this color change is of no dental concern, it is an esthetic concern. The tooth may be bleached or a crown (cap) placed over the tooth in order to restore a pleasing smile and appearance.
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A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment is more brittle than a "normal" tooth and is therefore more susceptible to fracture. In many cases, a crown (cap) or bonded type of permanent restoration may be recommended over a normal type of filling following root canal treatment.
We will make every effort to ensure your comfort during root canal treatment. We're happy to answer any questions you may have. Our concern is your comfort and confidence. Our goal is to help you keep your natural teeth for a lifetime. At Western New York Dental Group, all of the general dentists perform root canal therapy on our patients. In a few instances, root canal therapy is more complicated and the services of a dental specialist (endodontist) is necessary.
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