People are often surprised to learn that having root canal therapy is very similar to having a dental filling. The science of doing this therapy has advanced to the point that it can be a painless procedure. In fact, having the therapy is so effective at relieving the pain often present when the treatment is needed that most patients feel tremendous relief due to the procedure.
Need for the Procedure
Several different conditions can indicate the need for root canal therapy. First, if the tooth is too damaged to support a restoration due to a weak crown, the therapy strengthens the root to support the restoration.
In another type of condition, the material inside the root canals, called the pulp, can die, causing the tooth to be painful, swollen and/or discolored. The pulp can also become infected, causing serious physical risk. In either case, you would probably lose the tooth without therapy.
Sometimes, the health of the root is questionable, in which case it needs to be removed and filled to hold the crown in place.
Benefits
It is extremely important to have root canal therapy if your doctor determines you need it. It is highly successful and can provide the following benefits:
• Elimination of tooth pain
• Decreased infection
• Most importantly – save the tooth!
If you have never lost a tooth before, you might not think it is a very bad thing. After all, it is just one tooth. However, even losing one tooth can affect your ability to chew and speak normally. It can cause your teeth to drift. And, if you replace it with a false tooth, you will always be aware of the difference. Your natural teeth are always better than replacement teeth.
Examination
Before the dentist begins the therapy, he uses x-rays to see the extent of the damage. Sometimes, you will not even realize that you have a problem until the dentist finds it in a routine exam.
Anesthetic
A part of the reason that root canal therapy involves such little pain now is that anesthetics are more reliable and effective than previous types of anesthetic. The dentist can use a topical anesthetic on your gums to prevent pain from the injection of anesthetic. As soon as your tooth and gums are numb, the procedure can begin.
Preparation
The first step in the procedure is removing the pulp from the tooth. To prepare the root canals, the dentist drills a small hole in the tooth root to pull out the bulk of the pulp. Then, he uses very small dental instruments to scrape away the remaining pulp as well as plaque and tartar on the tooth.
Filling
The dentist uses a special type of filling in the root canals. This filling type is gentle on the surrounding tissue and helps the canals resist infection. Once this special filling is in place, the dentist repairs the rest of the tooth as needed.
Root canal therapy can be completed in one or two dental visits. Dr. Vandersluic takes every measure to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Root canal therapy is so beneficial you will be glad you have chosen to follow the dentist’s advice once you learn the difference it can make.