Root canal is the
treatment of the diseased nerve (also called the pulp)
of the tooth. A root canal treatment enables you to save
and keep your original damaged
tooth.
Physical irritation caused by deep decay or a
very large filling
Severe gum disease
Crack in the tooth.
Trauma, such as physical blow to a tooth or a
constant striking of a tooth in the opposite jaw
that traumatizes the tooth
Regardless of the
initial cause, the tooth pulp becomes stressed and
infected. Bacteria grows within the tooth pulp,
causing pressure and pain, sometimes accompanied by
swelling of the area. Sometimes the deterioration of
the pulp happens so gradually that little pain is
felt. Either way, eventually the infection can destroy
the pulp and spreads to the bone and surrounding
tissues causing abcess at the root tips.
Once it has been determined (with X-rays and
clinical examination) that root canal treatment is
necessary, you will be scheduled for one or more
appointments. It's important that you keep these
appointments, in order to prevent delays in treatment
and healing.
The tooth may be isolated with a rubber dam. This
confines the treatment area and protects the mouth
from bacteria and chemical agents that will be used to
clean the root canal.
After isolating the tooth, the canals will be
cleaned, enlarged and shaped using hand files, or
rotary instruments.
The canals will be washed and
cleaned using different chemical agents.
X-rays will be taken to ensure all the
measurements are correct and that the walls inside the
canal are smooth.
Then, the root canal will be permanently filled
using root canal sealant. In some cases, a temporary
medication will be placed inside the tooth to control
bacterial growth and reduce infection. The root canal
will be filled and completed during your next
appointment.
A temporary filling is placed in the opening of
the tooth until next visit.
Finally, in your next visit a
post will be placed inside the canal to strenghen it
and the tooth will be crowned (capped) and fully
restored to chewing function.
Brittleness - a non-vital tooth is more brittle
than a vital one and is more susceptible to fracture.
Therefore, in most cases, it is recommended that your
root canal tooth be crowned (capped) following
treatment.
Discoloration - you may notice that your treated
tooth (especially a front tooth) might change color.
Be sure to ask your dentist about tooth whitening if
the tooth is not restored with a crown.
Helpful Tips
Don’t chew on the treated tooth for 48 hours.
Take the medication prescribed by your dentist
on time.
Island Dental
Spa by Dr. Yatros Cosmetic, Restorative, Esthetic
and Implant Dentistry 3909 East Bay Drive Holmes Beach,
FL 34217 (941) 778-2204 Cosmetic Dentist serving Bradenton, Holmes Beach, Anna
Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Longboat Key and
Sarasota
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Once it has been determined (with X-rays and
clinical examination) that root canal treatment is
necessary, you will be scheduled for one or more
appointments. It's important that you keep these
appointments, in order to prevent delays in treatment
and healing.
The canals will be washed and
cleaned using different chemical agents.
Finally, in your next visit a
post will be placed inside the canal to strenghen it
and the tooth will be crowned (capped) and fully
restored to chewing function.
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