Root Canal Treatment

By Ana M. Arango, DDS

When people mention “root canal treatment,” many times the first things that come to mind are pain and post-treatment failure. These things are largely in the past.

With today's advanced technology in endodontics, there are devices that allow dentists to be more precise and to perform a nice job with a very comfortable environment for the patient.

A root canal is the space within the root of a tooth. This space is filled with highly vascularized, loose connective tissue called the dental pulp. When this tissue is either infected with decay or injured by a trauma, a root canal treatment is needed.

Root canal treatment is a term for a dental procedure (endodontic therapy), wherein the pulp is cleaned out, the space is disinfected and then filled with a thermoplastic material.

After root canal treatment, we always recommend the tooth is built up in order to make it stronger and that a crown is placed on the tooth. The objective of the crown is to protect the tooth from a fracture or bacterial infiltration that might cause a secondary infection after the endodontic treatment.

Patients need root canal treatment for different causes. The most common reasons are

Deep decay into the tooth nerve

Old deep decay or decay under a restoration that destroys the nerve (necrosis) and causes an abscess

Trauma that affects the vitality of the tooth or exposes the nerve

Tooth fracture

With new technology and advances, root canal therapy can be done in one appointment. Of course, this depends on the patient's symptoms and the tooth's vitality.
Patients should try to make sure the dentist has the right technology, and the skills and experience to complete the treatment successfully.

As dentists, we always have to evaluate the tooth's anatomy, the size and severity of the infection and any existing restoration on the tooth. These factors can dictate the long term success of the procedure.

Root canal treatments can also prevent the need for procedures like tooth extraction and all of the consequences that come with the removal of a tooth.

So, don't be afraid of root canal treatments anymore. If your dentist has advised you to have a root canal to save or restore your tooth, listen to them. It is a great alternative to preserve your tooth.