Endodontists deal with the treatment of infections, diseases and injuries of the tooth pulp (nerve chamber in the tooth). They save a damaged tooth by performing a root canal which removes decay on the interior space of the root.
Use of microscope in endodontics makes the treatment more precise.
Microscopic Endodontics (Root Canal Treatment)
Root canal treatment is a sequence of procedures for the pulp of the tooth which results in the elimination of infection and protection against future microbial infection. Root canal treatment involves removal of infected pulp chamber using series of instruments.
The sign of infection is indicated with pain or discoloration of teeth.
Root canal treatment is performed by the Endodontists who specialise with this treatment.
Root canal treatment requires 2-3 visits to the dental office and followed by crowning to prevent future damage of the tooth.
Root canal treatment can also be performed in a single visit depending on the infection present. The Endodontist also uses highly precise instruments as he is dealing with delicate tissue.
Confident Dental Care: Our specialists use lasers and microscopes to do this treatment. In addition, the presence of a 3 D scan also helps them to evaluate the canals 3 dimensionally and to perform the treatment better. All root canal treatments are performed using standardised protocols like the rubber dam for isolation, rotary instruments, apex locators for precision, microscopes for better visibility. In addition, our specialists specialise in re-root canal treatment using microscopes. The microscopes are used to have better visibility of minute structures like missed canals, broken instruments and blocked canals. Specialities: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Endodontics (Root Canal), Oral Surgery, Orthodontics (Braces), Paedodontics (Children), Periodontics (Gums) and Prosthodontics (Dentures).
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment involves the saving of a tooth that is decayed which otherwise would die and have to be removed.
In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and decayed material are removed, and the resulting space is filled with special medicated dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.
Why is it required?
Root canal treatment is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realised is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.
Root canal treatment, if followed by placement of a crown, is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although, on occasions, a tooth will have to be re-treated due to new infections.
Signs and Symptoms for Possible Root Canal Treatment
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Severe toothache or pain
- Swelling and/or tenderness
Indications for Root Canal Treatment
- Decay that has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth)
- Infection or abscess that has developed inside the tooth or at the root tip
- Injury or trauma to the tooth such as a crack in the tooth
What does Root Canal Treatment Involve?
A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).
While the tooth is numb, an access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it may also be removed with special dental instruments. The pulp chamber is cleaned and disinfected and allowed to heal.
Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.
At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental material. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all the teeth that had root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the teeth, prevent them from breaking and restore them to their full function.
After the initial root canal appointment, there may be some discomfort for one or two days, but this will quickly improve.
You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.