The part of the tooth that is visible in the mouth above the gum is called the crown.The part of the tooth which is below the gumline embedded in the bone is the root.The crown has an outer hard layer called the enamel and second soft layer called the dentin.These two layers enclose and protect the nerve or pulp tissue and provides strength to the tooth. The nerve or pulp tissue extends from the crown and to the entire root and is housed in a narrow canal termed the root canal. This canal extends and ends up at the tip of the root.Teeth with multiple roots have multiple root canals.The nerves have several fine branches running criss-cross within the root.
Indications of Root canal Treatment
- When the decay/caries extends into the pulp
- Fracture/chipping of the tooth involving the pulp
- Extensive wearing of the tooth structure involving the pulp
- Injury of a tooth can show up symptoms after several years like Pain involving the tooth, Change in the colour of the tooth, Development of abscess/swelling in the gum in relation to the root area of the affected tooth
How is the Root Canal treatment done?
- The Dentist verifies whether the tooth is infected clinically and by X rays if needed.
- A local anaesthetic is given to numb the tooth to be treated
- The decay and infected nerve tissue is completely removed
- The root canals are completely cleaned, shaped and sterilised to prevent any new bacterial growth. This procedure can take between 1 to 3 sessions depending on the level of infection in the tooth. Finally an inert material, a natural product called the gutta percha is used to seal the empty canals because it does not allow bacteria to grow followed by a temporary filling in the crown portion which will then be replaced by a permanent filling a few days later.
Success rate of Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Therapy is a means of prolonging the life of the tooth and avoiding extreme methods like extraction to remove infections. This conservative method of managing a root infection has helped saving the teeth and preserve the natural dentition.
The success rate is very high, but due to the intricate root structure, sometimes further complicated by calcium deposits and resistant bacteria, this success rate can be reduced.Root canal treated teeth, in some rare cases, can become re-infected again and then the task of saving the tooth becomes more challenging.
When you consider that this treatment is the only chance to save your tooth, it is well worth the time and effort. The cost of root canal treatment is much less than the cost of dental implants, but you will need a clinical and radiographic examination to determine if your tooth can be saved by root canal treatment.
The success of Root Canal Therapy depends on a skilled dentist, excellent oral hygiene and a motivated patient. the long term success rate of root canal treatment over 10 years is approximately 85 to 95%. We practice the highest standards of asepsis and sterilization to ensure long term success of your root canal treated tooth.
Instructions to follow after the root canal procedure
After the root canal procedure, the patient will be advised to complete an antibiotic course. Painkillers will be prescribed as some patients might experience mild soreness in the tooth for a few days after the procedure. You will also be advised to avoid biting hard foods on the root canal treated tooth until the crown gets fixed.In some cases, due to extreme forces while biting or due to new dental caries, the root canal treated tooth may fracture. In such situations, the remaining part of the tooth will be assessed clinically and with X-rays. If it is possible to save the tooth, a post will be used to replace the missing tooth structure and make a crown. If it is not possible to save the tooth, it will need to be extracted, and an implant, bridge or denture may be used to replace the missing tooth.A root canal treated tooth should be cared for in the same way as a normal tooth.The root canal treated tooth will not be sensitive or painful due to cavities or trauma as the nerve in the tooth has been removed, but it is still susceptible to cavities as the calcium in the tooth is attacked by the bacteria in the mouth. Hence, regular brushing and flossing is still extremely important to preserve and maintain a root canal treated tooth.
