Root Canal Treatment
When
a patient hears the term “root canal” pertaining to them causes more anxiety than
any other dental procedure.
I
still picture the cartoon character with the rag tied around his head. However, it makes me chuckle because it is so
inaccurate. Generally the procedure is virtually painless. However due to the
infection or inflammation it may be more difficult for the patient to be
anesthetized.
There
have been so many advances in Dentistry that most patients experience no
discomfort during or complications after the procedure. They are relieved to be out of pain and are
questioning why they had all the fear and anxiety. Root canal treatment is a routine procedure
and is performed with skill and expertise by our dentists at Lake Lanier Smiles.
WHAT
IS A ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?
Root
canal treatment is a procedure performed in your dentist’s office. Your dentist
performs this procedure to remove damaged or dead pulp.
Pulp
is a soft chamber that encases the nerves, connective tissue and blood vessels.
The pulp chamber is inside of the root canal. The entire root canal and pulp
chamber are cleaned out by your dentist using either an instrument called a
reamer or an electrical rotary instrument.
Both instruments are very effective in reshaping the canal.
Our
Buford dentist office, Lake Lanier Smiles is equipped with the rotary machines
to do efficient Root Canal Treatments.
The
next step is to fill the canal with gutta per-cha, a rubber-like material. This
step prevents contamination or infection from reoccurring.
The
last step is sealing the canal. Your
dentist at Lake Lanier Smiles will melt the ends of the gutta per-cha, permanently
sealing the root canal.
Root
canal therapy may sometimes require two or three additional visits to complete
depending on the amount of infection. Usually a topical medication and a temporary
filling will be applied. If your dentist
recommends it, an antibiotic will be prescribed for 10 days. This will give your body time to heal the
infection.
If
after root canal therapy, a dental crown is not placed to protect the remaining
tooth structure, there is a high chance of tooth fracture.
DO
YOU HAVE ANY OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS?
Of
course, you can have a surgical extraction if the tooth has been severely
decayed or cracked.
This
is usually the case when the tooth requires root canal therapy. If a permanent adult tooth has to be
extracted, your dentist will recommended a bridge or Implant or Partial Denture
to replace the missing tooth.
The
bridge should be done quickly after the socket heals. Tooth loss causes the surrounding teeth to shift
and move. This will affect the integrity of your bite and ability to properly
chew. Jaw pain or TMJ can also develop
due to an improper bite. The tooth above
or below the extracted tooth will drop down or erupt into the voided
space. This cannot be corrected and will
cause additional extractions.
WILL
I BE IN PAIN AFTER THE ROOT CANAL THERAPY?
You
may experience some discomfort due to the tissue being inflamed or from having
your mouth open for a long period. But
these conditions are easily treated by using an over the counter pain
reliever.
Some
patients may require something a little stronger. Depending on their tolerance
level and the extent of area their abscess has affected.
HOW TO MAINTAIN THE
ROOT CANAL TOOTH?
It
is very important to maintain your normal daily hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing twice a day, even
around the completed root canal therapy.
Reducing plague and bacteria is important in the healing process. You should avoid hard foods or candy around
the area.
WHAT
KIND OF COMPLICATIONS CAN I EXPECT?
Rarely
will a patient have complications due to the root canal therapy.
There
a rare instances that there is a crack in the root of the tooth that was not
detected. This can result in the infection reoccurring. Another unusual
complication is the seal leaks or the crown is ill fitting and has to be
remade. Another complication is a hidden
canal. Most teeth have one, two or three
canals but it is possible to have a fourth canal in molars.
HERE
ARE SOME OF THE REASONS A PATIENT WILL REQUIRE ROOT CANAL TREATMENT.
1. A
fractured tooth, where the fracture is close to the pulp or nerve.
2. Deep decay
that has penetrated the root canal.
3. A tooth
that has had trauma or an injury that has killed the nerve.
4. An open
margin on a crown that has caused leakage and decay under the crown.
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If
you have any questions about Root Canal Treatment or to make an appointment to
see us, Call us at 770-831-0559 or visit us at WWW. LAKELANIERSMILES.COM for
Valuable Coupons and Specials. Our prices are 30-50 % Off Regular Prices. Call
Us before Noon and we will see you the Same Day. We accept most insurances. We
are conveniently located just off I-985 at 4965 Lanier Islands Parkway, Suite
105, Buford, Ga- 30418. LAKE LANIER SMILES provides Affordable dental care with outstanding
customer service to patients in Buford, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Cumming, Flowery
Branch and surrounding areas.
