Root Canal Treatment

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Root canal therapy is needed when a tooth's nerve is affected by decay or infection. The pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and decay are removed to preserve the tooth. Then, the resulting space is filled with special medicated dental materials to restore the tooth to its full function.

Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and need to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth with problems is the solution, but extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.

Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although a tooth will occasionally have to be retreated due to new infections.

Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:

• An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
• Sensitivity to hot and cold.
• Severe toothache pain.
• Sometimes, no symptoms are present.
• Swelling and tenderness.

Reasons for root canal therapy:

• Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside).
• An infection or abscess has developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
• Injury or trauma to the tooth.

What does root canal therapy involve?

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments by Dr. Thaliath.

While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a rubber sheet) will be placed around it to keep it dry and saliva-free. An access opening is made on top of the tooth, and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria.

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, Dr Thaliath will seal it with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, Dr Thaliath will provide a temporary filling until the next appointment. At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. A crown will protect the tooth, prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.

After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.

You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.

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