Root canal treatment

If your toothache is related to a root canal issue, it has the potential to intensify at night because lying flat increases blood pressure to the jaw. Root canal treatment provides relief by tackling underlying issues such as infection or decay. Reach out to your dentist or leave a message for them to call you first thing in the morning. In the meantime, consider these home remedies:

• Elevate your head and upper back by placing three pillows for added comfort.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (unless you’re on a blood thinner prescription).
• Reduce inflammation and pain by applying a cold compress or a bag of frozen peas for 10-minute intervals.

Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the pulp (the soft tissue inside the root canal), becomes inflamed or infected. Common causes of needing root canal treatment include:

• Severe decay: Decay that has reached the pulp, leading to infection or inflammation.
• Tooth trauma: Injuries to the tooth can damage the pulp, even without visible chips or cracks.
• Repeated dental procedures on the tooth: Multiple procedures can raise the risk of pulp inflammation or infection.
• Bacterial infections: Bacteria entering the tooth through leaky fillings or faulty crowns can cause pulp inflammation or infection.

An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in diagnosing and treating tooth pain and performing root canal treatments.

Root canal treatments are provided in the first place to relieve the pain caused by pulpal infection and inflammation. With modern dentistry and anesthetics, most patients report to be comfortable during the procedure. The tooth may feel sensitive for the initial few days post treatment which can be effectively managed with over the counter medications. Our main goal is to ensure that your root canal treatment is a pleasant and comfortable experience.

• Do not hesitate to ask your dentist or endodontist any questions you may have about the procedure. This includes understanding what to expect during and after the treatment.
• Have a light meal before the procedure to prevent feeling hungry or lightheaded during the treatment.
• Patients may benefit from taking over-the-counter pain medication before the procedure to manage any discomfort.
• Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist or endodontist. This may involve avoiding hard or chewy foods and being cautious around the treated area.

An endodontic re-treatment may be required due to the following reasons:

• Presence of curved and narrow canals that were not accessed during the initial root canal procedure.
• Fracture of the root canal treated tooth.
• Delayed placement of crown following root canal treatment.

The root canal treated tooth will be numb for a little while following the procedure. Before the anesthesia wears off, we generally advise the patient to have an over the counter medication such as ibuprofen. It is also recommended not to chew hard foods on the tooth until it has received a permanent restoration.

When undergoing a root canal, it’s important to be mindful of the foods you consume to avoid discomfort or damage to the treated tooth. Foods to be mindful of include:

• Crunchy foods: Avoid chips, nuts, and hard fruits like apples and carrots.
• Chewy and sticky foods: Jellybeans, chewing gum, and caramels can loosen the temporary filling. Steak and crusty bread may cause discomfort.

We welcome you to call us on 04 3987075 to discuss treatment costs or information on our interest-free 12 months payment plans.

By magnifying vision up to 25 times, the visualization of the treatment area is enhanced. Research demonstrates better treatment outcomes compared to procedures without vision magnification.

Antibiotics can help control the spread of a tooth infection and reduce pain and swelling, but they cannot cure a root canal tooth infection completely. The only way to completely cure a root canal tooth infection is to remove the infected pulp through root canal treatment. Root canal therapy allows the tooth to be saved and restored to its natural function. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed before root canal therapy if the infection is severe, has spread to surrounding tissues, or the patient has a weakened immune system. However, antibiotics alone cannot remove the infected pulp or the source of the infection.

During a root canal, the infected nerves and tissues inside the tooth are removed, leaving it as a hollow shell. However, it’s important to note that the term “dead” in this context refers to the removal of the living tissues within the tooth, not the tooth itself. The outer structure of the tooth remains intact and can still function normally with the support of surrounding tissues. The purpose of root canal treatment is to save the tooth from further infection and potential extraction. By removing the infected pulp and disinfecting the root canals, the tooth can be preserved and continue to serve its function in the mouth.

During root canal treatment, our skilled professionals take the following steps to alleviate pain and save your tooth:

Diagnosis: We examine your tooth and X-rays to determine the extent of infection or damage.

Anesthesia: We administer local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.

Access opening: A small opening is made in the crown of your tooth to access the infected or damaged pulp.

Cleaning: The infected pulp, nerve, and any debris are carefully removed from the root canals. The canals are then cleaned and shaped.

Filling: The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material to seal them and prevent further infection.

Sealing: The access opening is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling.

Restoration: In most cases, a tooth that has undergone a root canal will need a protective crown to restore strength and function.

Post-treatment care instructions will be provided to ensure a smooth recovery. Do consult us for personalized details about your root canal treatment process.

After a root canal treatment, getting a dental crown is needed when the tooth structure is compromised. Crowns are crucial, especially for molars and premolars that face heavy chewing forces. It is advisable to promptly place the crown after the root canal to prevent complications and ensure the long-term success of the root canal treatment.

A post and core is a restoration method used after a root canal treatment to reinforce the tooth for future restoration. It includes inserting a post into the root canal to provide stability and support for a core restoration, which, in turn, supports a dental crown. This process is essential for teeth with significant structural loss due to decay, injury, or previous dental work.

A root canal treatment has the potential to endure for many years, and in some cases, it can even last a lifetime. On average, a tooth can stay healthy for about 10 to 15 years post a root canal procedure. A study investigating the survival time of teeth after a root canal in the general population discovered that, on average, teeth can last about 11 years following the treatment. Another study revealed that 98 percent of root canals last for one year, 92 percent for five years, and 86 percent for ten years or longer. Various factors, including the severity of the damage, the type of tooth, and the patient’s oral hygiene habits, can influence the longevity of a root canal.

Most insurance companies typically cover root canal treatments. For clarity, we recommend reaching out to your insurance provider to confirm coverage for the recommended procedure under your dental plan.

The alternative treatment options to root canal treatment depend on the specific situation and condition of the tooth. Some alternatives may include:

• Extraction: If the tooth is severely damaged or infected and cannot be saved, extraction (removal) of the tooth may be considered. After extraction, options like dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures can be placed to replace the missing tooth.
• Pulpotomy: In cases of infected or damaged pulp in a baby tooth, a pulpotomy may be performed. This involves removing the infected portion of the pulp and preserving the remaining healthy tissue.
• Apicoectomy: For certain persistent infections or issues after a root canal, an apicoectomy may be performed. This is a surgical procedure to remove the tip of the tooth’s root and any infected tissue.
• Watchful waiting: In some cases, if the infection or damage is minimal and not causing immediate discomfort, the tooth may be closely monitored without immediate intervention.

It’s crucial to consult with your dentist or endodontist to determine the most appropriate option for your specific case. They can provide recommendations based on the condition of the tooth, your oral health, and your overall well-being.

Under normal circumstances, the long-term success rate for root canal therapy ranges between 80-95%. A systematic review of longitudinal clinical studies published between 2003 and 2020 found that the weighted pooled success rates were estimated to be 92.6% under ‘loose criteria’ and 82.0% under ‘strict criteria’. Also, the overall success rates for endodontic treatment of molars seem to be similar to those of other tooth types, with more than 90% long-term success rates possible. For personalized responses and to ensure a seamless and successful root canal treatment journey, it’s essential to seek guidance from your endodontist or dental specialist.

Yes, we provide root canal treatments and re-root treatments at both JLT and Trade Centre branches.