Information About Root Canal Therapy Some Background
Information
Years ago, diseased or damaged teeth were almost
always removed. Today, modern dental techniques often make it possible
to save the damaged teeth. One of the most common techniques is
Root Canal Therapy, or in dental terminology, endodontic treatment.
Root canal therapy is generally necessary when
the pulp, which contains the nerves and blood supply of the tooth,
is diseased or damaged. This may be caused by a number of situations.
For example, bacteria from a deep cavity can enter the pulp and
cause infection. Or the tooth may be injured in such a way that
the blood supply is ruptured or the nerve damaged. A third possibility
is a fracture of the tooth itself, which exposes the pulp to bacteria
normally found in the mouth. Severe gum (periodontal) disease can
cause infection of the pulp too.
All of these conditions can cause severe toothaches,
or deterioration of the pulp may happen so gradually that it is
nearly painless. In any event, when these situations exist, the
tooth should be treated by root canal therapy or it will be lost.
What Is Involved In Root Canal Therapy?
The first step is to remove the pulp tissue and
carefully clean the pulp chamber and root canals. This is done through
a small opening in the crown of the tooth. (If you are experiencing
severe pain from the tooth, this will usually provide dramatic relief).
Once the area has been cleaned, medicine is then placed in the tooth
and it is temporarily sealed. However, if severe infection is present,
your dentist may leave the tooth open for a few days to promote
drainage. He may also choose to prescribe an antibiotic to help
control the infection. If a cyst or large area of infection is present
at the tip of the root, it may be necessary to remove it surgically.
This is called periapical surgery (or an apicoectomy) and is done
through the gum.
The treatment program usually takes between two
and five appointments. When the dentist is certain that the tooth
is free of infection, he will fill and seal the canals and pulp
chamber with a material, which will prevent bacteria from re-entering
the tooth. Then the outer portion of the tooth must be restored.
However, it may first be necessary to strengthen the tooth with
a "post and core" buildup. Then the crown of the tooth
will be restored with a plastic filling, gold inlay, or a porcelain
or gold crown.
Will The Treatment Be Painful?
Many of the procedures can be done without local
anesthesia. However, if your dentist anticipates any discomfort,
a local anesthetic will be given. Sometimes there may be temporary
irritation of the tissues surrounding the tooth following treatment.
This is usually so slight that it can be controlled with a simple
remedy such as aspirin. Should you develop any severe swelling,
or increasing pain, you should contact your dentist at once.
Is It Expensive?
The cost of root canal therapy and filling is
usually less than the cost of removing the tooth and replacing it
with an artificial one. Also, no replacement will ever be as satisfactory
as your natural tooth.
The fee is usually determined by the complexity of the condition
and the number of root canals involved. Restoring the crown after
treatment is not usually included in the root canal therapy fee.
Crown and Bridge Post-Operative Instructions
Congratulations, you have chosen to have the
finest restoration available in dentistry today. Your permanent
crown will not only look great, but it supports the tooth thereby
making it stronger.
1. A temporary crown is placed with temporary
glue, give the glue about 3 hours to harden.
2. Do not chew anything sticky on the same side as the temporary,
such as gum, taffy, caramels, etc.
3. Do not floss vertically (up and down) along the temporary,
instead pull the floss through toward your cheek.
4. The temporary does not completely seal the tooth, therefore
you will experience tenderness upon chewing and sensitivity to
hot/cold.
5. Rinse with warm salt water 3 times a day to heal the gums.
6. The permanent crown will look nothing at all like the temporary.
7. Call (574) 267-6651 ask for Faith or Robyn with any questions
about the procedure.
8. Your temporary crown and the final crown will require bite
adjustments. A crown is a man made replacement of a natural
tooth. Any necessary adjustments are complimentary within
30 days of the final crown placement.
9. Thanks for having the confidence in our practice so we could
provide you with EXCEPTIONAL DENTISTRY.
|
