Of all the misunderstood terms in dentistry, the ultimate is "root canal therapy." When a root canal is mentioned, there is an immediate state of shock and fear. Fortunately, this is completely unwarranted. Endodontic or root canal therapy is the best way to save a fractured or severely decayed tooth. The alternative to root canal treatment is extraction and clearly, this is not a very good choice.
When a tooth requires endodontic therapy, the pulp tissue inside the tooth becomes infected through disease or trauma. The pulp tissue is comprised of blood vessel, connective tissue and nerve tissue.
Treatment consists of removing the infected pulp and then thoroughly cleaning the canal and chamber before placing a rubber-like material, gutta percha, into the canal. Essentially, we are placing a filling to the tip of the root and sealing it like a cork in a bottle. A temporary filling is placed between visits to keep the chamber clean until a final restoration is placed. The final restoration will usually be a crown and, in some instance, a standard filling. It is important that the final restoration strengthens and protects the tooth after the root canal treatment is finished.
A common misconception is that root canals are painful. Yes, some treatment is uncomfortable or painful, but the overwhelming number of patients suffer no pain. Patient safety and comfort is very important and everything possible will be done to ensure a pleasant experience.
Root canal therapy by itself is very successful with over a 90 percent success rate. The choice of endodontic therapy is a very good decision as it prevents further damage to your oral health and helps maintain a beautiful smile with well-functioning dentition.
When a tooth requires endodontic therapy, the pulp tissue inside the tooth becomes infected through disease or trauma. The pulp tissue is comprised of blood vessel, connective tissue and nerve tissue.
Treatment consists of removing the infected pulp and then thoroughly cleaning the canal and chamber before placing a rubber-like material, gutta percha, into the canal. Essentially, we are placing a filling to the tip of the root and sealing it like a cork in a bottle. A temporary filling is placed between visits to keep the chamber clean until a final restoration is placed. The final restoration will usually be a crown and, in some instance, a standard filling. It is important that the final restoration strengthens and protects the tooth after the root canal treatment is finished.
A common misconception is that root canals are painful. Yes, some treatment is uncomfortable or painful, but the overwhelming number of patients suffer no pain. Patient safety and comfort is very important and everything possible will be done to ensure a pleasant experience.
Root canal therapy by itself is very successful with over a 90 percent success rate. The choice of endodontic therapy is a very good decision as it prevents further damage to your oral health and helps maintain a beautiful smile with well-functioning dentition.