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What is a root canal and why is it necessary?
by Todd S. Resek D.M.D.
http://www.dental-health-index.com
What is a Root Canal and why is it necessary?
Having a tooth that needs a root canal or endodontic
therapy, is one of the most feared and misinterpreted
situations in dentistry. Root canal treatment is probably
the procedure most emotionally discussed between
individuals as a method of commiserating painful
circumstances with each other.
Every work place seems to have someone who has or knows
someone with a gruesome story about this notorious
procedure. These tales are like the ones that describe a
fish that grows larger each time its catch is relayed.
Everytime people mention a tooth having a nerve treatment,
the experience grows more intolerable. Fortunately for
mankind and dentistry, these yarns are very often blown
out of proportion.
Modern dental medications, technologies and techniques
have the ability to take this feared procedure and make it
as easy as having a routine filling.
What is a root canal?
This procedure involves accessing the interior chamber of
the tooth. (nerve chamber) Once in the interior of the
tooth, the nerve chamber is cleaned, shaped and irrigated
before being filled. The filling seals the inside of the
tooth and signifies the end of the living tissue residing
in the treated tooth.
Why would someone need Endodontic therapy?
1. To save an infected tooth (once a tooth is abscessed,
bacteria is in the nerve. The only 2 choices at this time
are to remove the tooth or to remove the nerve.)
2. To save a broken tooth. (a broken tooth with
compromised tooth structure, is root canaled so that posts
can be placed in the root system adding retention and
surface area to the weakend tooth.
3. Tooth has endured trauma causing the nerve to die.
4. As a preventative measure when having cosmetic
dentistry or crowns prepared. If the crown preparations
will be very large and close to the nerve of the tooth, it
is best if the nerve is removed so that the tooth is not
symptomatic after the crowns are cemented in place.
5. The nerve in a tooth goes bad due to a long standing
large filling or crown encroaching on the nerve.
What are possible complicatons of having a root canal
procedure?
Possible complications include but are not limited to:
bleeding, swelling, pain, infection, detachment of
instrument inside tooth, tooth loss, perforaton of tooth
interior, numbness, failure of procedure to be successful.
There are complications associated with any medical
procedure performed. Post operative pain is the most
common complication associated with endodontic therapy. It
is comfortable handled with pain and anti-inflammatory
medication.
What is the success rate of modern root canal therapy?
Because of advancements in dental medications, techniques
and technologies, modern endodontics has a greater than
90% long term success rate.
Do not let this procedure intimidate you. Through proper
preparation and handling of this treament, it can be very
comfortable having a root canal.
Save your tooth when possible. You only receive one set of
teeth as an adult.
Dr. Todd S. Resek has practiced general dentistry in
Oakmont, Pa. since 1994. For information designed to
answer all your dental questions, visit his website at
http://www.dental-health-index.com
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