Root Canal Treatment

What is an endodontist:

Endodontists are dentists who have completed 2-3 years of additional training after dental school and specialized in root canal related procedures. In US, less than 3% of dentists are endodontists. This specialty of dentistry focuses on the inner tissues of the tooth.

What is a root canal treatment:

Root canal treatment is a procedure to treat and eliminate infection located inside of the tooth.

When is a root canal treatment needed?

A root canal treatment is needed when the most inner tissue of the tooth, the pulp, has become too inflamed and is infected by bacteria.

The symptoms can be:

• Pain when having cold or hot food and drink
• Pain upon biting and chewing
• Swelling of the gum near the infected tooth, or the cheek and face
• Pus oozing from the gum of the infected tooth

It is important to see an endodontist if you develop a toothache. Leaving the infected tooth in your mouth may could affect your overall health

How is it done?

The main goal of the root canal treatment is to remove the bacteria from the root canal system.
Every root canal treatment starts by a local anesthesia. In most of the cases, the procedure should be painless.

The endodontist will then place a protective sheet called “rubber dam” to isolate the tooth, keeping it free from saliva and bacteria during the procedure.
A small opening on the top of the of the tooth is then made, small instruments and irrigation are used to remove the pulp and bacteria from the root canal system. In some cases, a medication is placed in the tooth and the treatment will be finish in a second appointment.

After the bacteria has been removed, the root canal system is filled using gutta percha and sealer.
The tooth is then closed with a temporary or final restoration. In most of the cases, you should return to your general dentist to have a crown or other final restoration placed to protect the tooth.

Recovering:

After the treatment, you may fell sore of the treated side for couple of days. Your endodontist will advise you on a regimen of over-the-counter painkiller. It can be either NSAID(Ibuprofen) and / or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

If the pain persists more than a week, contact your endodontist.

Is root canal treatment successful?

Root canal treatment are predictable procedure with high successful rate. In average, 9 out of 10 cases can survive for up to 10 years.