Root Canal Therapy
Why is root canal therapy performed?
At the center of your tooth is the pulp.
The pulp is an organ filled with a collection of blood vessels and nerves that help build and protect the tooth.
Infection and deterioration of the health of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep cavities, cracks, chips, or repeated dental procedures.
Symptoms present either as a visible swelling of the gums around the tooth, lingering pain following exposure to hot or cold temperatures, pain when biting or putting pressure on the tooth, or a disappearing pimple in the gums that comes and goes sporadically.
If you experience any of these symptoms, the only options available to you are removal of the tooth or root canal therapy to save the tooth.
In root canal therapy, the injured pulp is removed, and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned via laser-assisted irrigation, and sealed.
This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required.
If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, we will discuss it at the time of consultation or when it becomes evident during treatment.
We use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. For that reason, you will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.
If you require oral conscious sedation, you will need to make arrangements to be driven to and from your appointment.
After your Root Canal Visit
If you were referred to our clinic for root canal therapy, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. Please contact their office for a follow-up restoration within a couple of weeks of your appointment at our clinic. Your dentist will discuss with you what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. If you have questions or concerns during your recovery, Dr. Bustamante is available at all times . To prevent further decay that may lead to nerve damage, continue to practice good dental hygiene and see your dentist for regular radiographic examinations and professional dental cleanings.
Root Canal Surgery
Generally, a root canal procedure is all that is needed to save your tooth. Occasionally, one will need surgery of the root end to remove a persistent infection. Endodontic surgery (apicoectomy) is also useful to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays but still allow the infection to persist. The most common surgery used to save damaged teeth is an apicoectomy or root-end resection followed by a reverse root fill (retro-fill) with a biologically compatible material. This root-end filling is placed to prevent reinfection of the root and surrounding bone. The bone heals around the root over a period of months, restoring full function.