If a tooth affected by caries is not treated, complications arise from inflammation of the tooth’s nerve or its death. And root canal treatment is required for tooth healing.
Microbes and toxins are to blame for inflammation. In most cases, they penetrate the dental pulp from the carious cavity; there may also be other causes of inflammation, for example, repeated dental treatment of the tooth, a crack, a tooth injury, and others. At the same time, necrotic tissues, microbes, and their toxins are in the root canal, which can cause pain or lead to purulent inflammation of the tissues.
The main possible signs are pain of a different nature, prolonged sensitivity to the effects of heat or cold, pain from touching the tooth or chewing, discoloration of the tooth, swelling, swollen lymph nodes, and fever.
Sometimes these signs of the disease can disappear or reappear, and the disease can also occur without any symptoms.
The doctor of Starrett City Dental, during the treatment, removes the phenomena of inflammation and infection of the nerve or pulp by thorough cleansing and drug treatment of the root canal. Then tightly fills the prepared canal with filling material up to the very top of the root.
In one or two visits, the doctor will restore the crown part of the tooth for its protection and functionality. This can be done by making a restorative inlay and an artificial crown or filling material if the volume of preserved tooth tissues allows.
Once restored, the tooth will continue to function like any other tooth.
Many endodontic procedures aim to relieve and eliminate pain caused by pulpal inflammation or infection. With the use of modern treatment methods and effective anesthetics, most patients report that they feel comfortable during the endodontic procedure.
In the first few days after treatment, the tooth may be slightly more sensitive, especially if there were acute inflammation before the procedure.
This discomfort will disappear after a while, or it can be relieved by taking medication recommended by your doctor. Following the attending physician’s recommendations after the procedures is necessary carefully.
However, if severe pain occurs that lasts more than a week, it is worth contacting a doctor at a dental clinic.
Endodontic treatment can often be completed in two or more visits to the dentist. It includes several stages.
In the beginning, the Starrett City Dental doctor conducts a visual examination, conducts x-ray diagnostics, and analyzes the obtained images of your tooth. After diagnosing and discussing the treatment plan, the doctor begins treatment. After local anesthesia, numbness occurs, and the doctor installs a tooth isolation system. It will isolate the tooth from the rest of the oral cavity and saliva and keep it clean during treatment.
At the next stage of treatment, the doctor forms a cavity in the tooth’s crown, allowing for good access to the root canals. With the help of endodontic instruments, the root canals are cleaned from the pulp and its decay products, and a space is formed for filling the canal with filling material.
After mechanical preparation and drug treatment of the root canal, the doctor fills the root canals with temporary or permanent filling materials. The task of this stage is to ensure the sealing of the canals.
In most cases, a temporary seal is placed first. The doctor will remove this temporary filling at the next visit when he begins to restore the crown of the tooth.
On the next visit, the doctor should begin permanent filling of the root canals and restoration of the tooth crown with prosthetics – the manufacture of a root tab and an artificial crown or other restoration methods to protect it and restore the functions of the tooth.
It is not necessary to postpone the completion of tooth treatment after endodontic procedures for a long time; the completion of treatment can only be considered the moment when the dentist will restore the crown part by making a crown or by another method, completely restoring the functionality and anatomy of your tooth.
A non-restored endodontically treated tooth is prone to fractures, its walls are weakened and thinned, and the occurrence of re-infection of the root canal, so the patient should visit the dentist as soon as possible – no more than two weeks – for a complete restoration of the tooth.
In the case of complete tooth restoration after endodontic treatment, no special care is required other than good oral hygiene with a toothbrush, dental floss, and other hygiene products recommended by a doctor, as well as regular professional examination by a doctor and professional hygiene. Occupational hygiene and check-ups are recommended every six months unless the doctor has given you special recommendations for additional visits to the dental clinic.
Most previously endodontically treated teeth behave in the same way as other teeth. Sometimes, a tooth undergoing endodontic treatment cannot be repaired, and the pain continues.
Sometimes a tooth may become sick or require additional treatment months or even years after successful endodontic treatment.
Often, when this happens, repeat endodontic treatment can save the tooth.
Trauma, secondary caries of a previously treated tooth, loss of crown restoration, a broken instrument in the canal, or a cracked tooth can cause new infections in the root canal of the tooth. Sometimes, the doctor may find additional very narrow or twisted canals missed during the original endodontic procedure.
Most teeth can be cured. Sometimes a tooth cannot be saved because there is a crack, the root canals are not accessible from previous treatments, debris in the root canals, the canals are severely crooked, and the tooth does not have adequate jaw bone support. Or the tooth cannot be restored due to the loss of too much of its own tissue.
However, advances in modern endodontics make it possible to preserve teeth that doctors would have been forced to remove just a few years ago.
When endodontic treatment is ineffective, one of the alternatives is endodontic surgery, which also helps save the tooth or hemisect the tooth.
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure performed to repair and save a severely damaged or infected tooth. It involves removing the infected pulp from the tooth’s root canal, cleaning and disinfecting the area, and then filling and sealing it to prevent further infection.
You may require a root canal treatment if you have a deep cavity, a cracked tooth, or a tooth that has undergone trauma. When the tooth’s pulp becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause severe pain, sensitivity, and swelling. A root canal treatment can alleviate these symptoms and save the tooth from extraction.
The duration of a root canal treatment can vary depending on the complexity of the case. In general, the procedure can be completed in one to three visits to our dental office. Each visit typically lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the tooth being treated.
Contrary to popular belief, root canal treatment is not typically painful. With modern advancements in dental technology and anesthesia techniques, the procedure is now more comfortable than ever. Your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring that you feel little to no discomfort during the treatment.
The only alternative to root canal treatment is tooth extraction. However, it is generally recommended to save a natural tooth whenever possible. Extracting a tooth can lead to several complications, such as shifting of adjacent teeth, difficulty in chewing, and loss of bone in the jaw. Root canal treatment is often the preferred option for preserving the natural tooth structure.
Root canal treatment has a high success rate, with the majority of treated teeth lasting a lifetime. However, the success of the treatment depends on various factors, including the tooth’s condition, the skill of the dentist, and your oral hygiene habits. It is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene and schedule regular dental check-ups to ensure the long-term success of the treatment.
After the treatment, you may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. It is important to follow any post-treatment instructions provided by your dentist, including proper oral hygiene practices and any prescribed medications. Most patients can resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure.
The cost of root canal treatment can vary depending on several factors, such as the tooth’s location, the complexity of the case, and whether additional procedures, such as dental crowns, are required. We recommend contacting our dental office for a personalized evaluation and cost estimate based on your specific needs.
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost for root canal treatment. However, the extent of coverage may vary depending on your specific insurance plan. Our team can assist you in understanding your insurance coverage and maximizing your benefits for the treatment.
To schedule a root canal treatment or to learn more about our services, you can contact our dental office by phone at (718) 642-8600 or through our website at starrettdentaloffice.com. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you in setting up an appointment and addressing any further questions or concerns you may have.
Our Dental Office is conveniently located in East New York Brooklyn. Find us on the 2th floor of the building. Plenty of free parking is available.
