What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment involves the removal of the nerve from the tooth. The inside is cleaned out with disinfectants and special instruments. The root canal is then dried and filled with a rubber material.

Does it hurt?

Advances in technology, and the experience of our professional staff have made root canal treatment far less painful. Root canal is designed to minimize the pain from an infected tooth; it does not produce the pain.

When is root canal treatment necessary?

When the pulp inside your tooth gets infected. The pulp is the soft tissue inside your tooth, home to blood vessels and nerves. Bacteria can reach the pulp. Then the bacteria grow, and pus accumulates at the root tips, and the tooth becomes painful and sensitive to hot and cold. Not all pulp infections bring pain; sometimes they spread so slowly that the patient feels nothing.

How is root canal treatment performed?

Root canal treatment occurs in three stages: First comes the diagnosis. Next, a dentist removes the pulp and cleans the inside of the tooth, sometimes applying antibiotics to prevent further infection. A temporary filling is placed at the crown opening. Finally, during a subsequent appointment, a crown is installed to seal the tooth and protect it from further damage.

What results can I expect?

With successful root canal treatment, the tooth will no longer cause pain. However, it no longer has sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweetness. So, the patient must receive regular dental check-ups with periodic x-rays to avoid further disease in the tooth. An untreated infection inside a tooth will only worsen over time; the pulp cannot heal itself. Without treatment, you may eventually lose the tooth, and require a bridge or other costly restoration. Protect your teeth by getting treatment as soon as you learn that you need it.

What is a post / core?

A post is placed within the body of the root of a tooth that has had previous root canal therapy. Root canal therapy prevents further infection and discomfort. During root canal therapy, the space previously occupied by the nerve is filled. The post is cemented into your tooth usually separate from the crown. The crown is then ready to be placed.

How does the dentist insert the post and core?

In fabricating your post, the dentist removes 4-6mm of root canal plastic material. This space that is fabricated is necessary in order to anchor the post within the root of the tooth. There are different types of posts. The type that is chosen for you will depend upon many factors.

I came for a filling, I do not have any pain, and the doctor told me that I need root canal treatment, why?

When a deep cavity exists, it is impossible to tell for sure whether a simple filling can be placed to treat the tooth.  A filling can be placed only after all decay is removed and the pulp chamber is left intact.  If during the removal of decay, the pulp chamber is invaded, root canal treatment must be performed.

Am I justified in spending money for root canal treatment?

The alternative is extraction and replacement of the tooth with a bridge or an implant.  The artificial substitutes usually cost more than root canal treatment and the permanent restoration of the tooth.

Is it normal for the tooth to hurt after Root Canal Treatment?

Sometimes after the RCT completed, patient may experience pain, when biting on the tooth. Most pain and discomfort would happen on 2-4 day, and then pain gradually will disappear.

Will the tooth crack or discolor after such treatment

Yes, the chances of one of these events is highly likely. That is why it is strongly recommended to place crown on the endodontically treated tooth to prevent fracture.