Root Canal Therapy
One of Konikoff Dentistry’s important goals is helping you preserve your natural teeth for a lifetime. If you have been told by one of our dentists that you need root canal therapy to save a tooth, we want you to feel comfortable with the explanation of a root canal and the procedure and understand its importance in relationship to your dental health..
Root canal treatment (endodontics) treats disorders of the nerve (also called the pulp) of the tooth. It used to be that a tooth with a diseased or infected nerve had to be removed. In 95% of the cases today, however, this situation is no longer true. We believe in saving teeth!!
Why do I need a root canal?
The following are the most common factors contributing to a need for root canal treatment:
- Trauma, such as a physical blow to a tooth or a constant striking of a tooth in the opposite jaw that traumatizes the tooth
- Physical irritation caused by a deep decay or a very large filling
- Severe gum disease
Regardless of the initial cause, the tooth pulp becomes irritated and infected. Bacteria grows within the tooth pulp, causing pressure and pain, and sometimes swelling of the face. Sometimes, the deterioration of the pulp happens so gradually that little pain is felt. Either way, eventually the bacteria can destroy the pulp. It can affect the bone surrounding the tooth which may lead to the destruction of the bone surrounding the tooth.
What happens during treatment?
If your dentist determines through x-rays and a clinical examination that root canal treatment is necessary, we will schedule you a series of appointments for you. It is important that you keep these appointments to prevent delays in treatment and healing, which can affect the outcome. It is also essential that you take all antibiotics and medications prescribed to hasten healing and reduce swelling.
What happens to my tooth after root canal treatment?
Once the root canal treatment has been completed, you will need to have a permanent restoration on your tooth. The best restorative treatment after a root canal has been completed is that of a crown. Your dentist will further discuss with you the options that will best maintain the strength and integrity of the tooth.
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