🦷 Root Canal Therapy

Tooth has 3 layers, namely enamel, dentin and pulp. Enamel is the outermost layer, followed by dentin and pulp( vital tissue).

In the event of tooth decay dental treatment is required.If  the decay is in enamel and dentin , it can be treated with a filling. If the decay reaches the pulp or vital tissue then root canal treatment is required. An Xray is definitely needed to assess the extent of decay.

 

Root  canal treatment is carried out in the following steps.

  1. The tooth is anaesthetised and an access hole is created to reach the pulp chamber.
  2. The root canals are then cleaned with special instruments called files.
  3. It is then followed by placement of medicament in the tooth for a few days.
  4. In the next appointment the root canals are filled .
  5. Depending on the severity of infection and healing final fillings are done.
  6. If the tooth shows severe structural damage a post should be placed in the tooth for better support.
  7. After root canal treatment is completed, the tooth may need a crown, onlay or in some cases no crown is needed.
  8. We always perform procedures under magnification. This helps us see better and perform better, we use loupes that provide high rate of magnification.
  9. We always follow safety first for our patients and always use rubber dam for performing root canal treatments  except in cases where patient has conditions that does not allow us to use rubber dam.

Magnification under loupes helps us see better and work better.

Using a rubber dam sheet helps with isolation of working area and also contributes to patient safety.

Possible risks:

As with any medical or dental procedure , root canal therapy is also associated with certain risks.

1.There is a chance of instrument breakage in the root canal.

2.There is a chance of  re infection , but low. In the event of infection again the tooth can be retreated or removed.

3.The tooth can discolor but it can be taken care of by a crown, veneer or bleaching

4.Some patients may have discomfort around the tooth. In case it doesn’t subside additional treatment may be required.

5.Root canal treated tooth is not as strong as the normal tooth.Strength can be improved by giving a crown or onlay.

Root canal treatment has helped in saving many teeth but it is not possible to guarantee success in every case.

Other Treatment Choices

These include no treatment, waiting for more definite development of symptoms or tooth extraction. See below for more information