Root canals (endodontics) are the primary treatment method for infections of the nerve tissue (pulp) inside a tooth. Advances in the technology and procedures associated with root canal therapy have made the success rate of root canals done today, about 95% successful.

Years ago infected teeth were routinely extracted, but now general dentists and endodontists (root canal specialist) make every reasonable effort to save these infected teeth instead of pulling them.

The most common symptoms a person would notice in a tooth needing a root canal would be pain to heat, cold and pressure, and swelling of the gums or face around the area of the tooth.

• Trauma a physical blow to the tooth or an irregular bite against an opposing tooth.
• Physical Irritation can be caused by deep decay (bacteria) microscopically invading the nerve tissue, or the drilling involved in removing this decay and placing a filling or a crown or cap on the tooth.
• Severe gum disease this factor is the leading cause of extraction of teeth among adults in the U.S. and root canals will not cure gum disease problems by themselves.

No matter what factor caused the problem, a root canal becomes necessary when bacteria grows in the nerve tissue, causing pressure, pain, and sometimes swelling in the face, requires removal and replacement. Often the infection in the nerve occurs so slowly that little or no pain is felt, But in either case the bacteria destroys the pulp, which in turn causes the surrounding bone and gum tissue to deteriorate.

When, after a thorough examination, x-rays, and sometimes nerve testing, and it is determined that a root canal is necessary, the following steps are taken during treatment.

• We will treat any discomfort or infection you are having. Often you will be given a prescription for both antibiotics and painkillers for several days before the root canal is done.

• At the root canal appointment you will usually be given a local anesthetic, and the nerve tissue will be carefully removed from inside the tooth.

• Instrumenting of the canals will be done to shape and enlarge them, and then usually the canals are filled and sealed with gutta percha (root canal filling material) that same day. A Temporary filling is then placed in the crown portion of the tooth where the decay or old filling or crown was removed.

• You are then given an appointment as you check-out, after the root canal is done, by the appointment desk to come back as soon as possible for a crown which is usually required to restore the tooth completely.

It is essential that you have the root canal tooth restored with a crown, and possibly a post to reinforce the tooth because the blood vessels in the tooth are wrapped around the nerve tissue, and are removed along with the nerve. With no internal blood supply the tooth structure dries out and becomes more brittle which can lead to a tooth fracture usually from biting down on something. A Crown or cap on the tooth acts in the same way that a splint on a broken bone does, it reinforces and strengthens the tooth thus preventing the crown portion of the tooth from breaking.

A crown also has a cosmetic benefit in that root canal teeth darken or discolor after the root canal is done because tiny blood vessels in the tooth are cut during nerve removal. This causes the iron molecules in the blood cells to released into the tooth structure, which in turn causes a dark coloration inside the tooth that eventually shows through the translucent enamel.

At HLD we are fortunate to have Dr. John Malakzad, a board certified endodontist, on our staff to take care of all your endodontic needs be they traditional root canal procedures or, in more complicated cases, surgical endodontics.