Dr. Robert Goldberg is an Endodontist who has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Root Canal Treatment.
Q. What is root canal treatment?
A. In order to understand root canal treatment, it helps to know something about the anatomy of a tooth. Teeth have several layers. The outside layer of the tooth is composed of a hard layer called Enamel. Enamel is supported by an inner layer called Dentin, which has at its center a soft tissue known as the Pulp.
The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that are responsible for forming the surrounding Dentin and Enamel during tooth development. The pulp receives its nourishment supply from vessels which enter the end of the root. Although the pulp is important during development of the tooth, it is not necessary for function of the tooth. The tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it even after the pulp is removed. It is sometimes necessary to remove the pulp from within the tooth in order to provide comfort for a patient.
Q. What does treatment involve?
A. After identifying the source of the patient’s discomfort, the first step would involve anesthetizing the area with local anesthetic. The next step involves isolating the tooth with a rubber dam, to prevent any cross contamination of the site and to protect the patient from aspirating/swallowing any materials or objects used throughout the procedure. A small opening is placed in the top (or back of the tooth if it is a front tooth) of the tooth which allows access to remove the pulp tissue within the roots of the tooth. The pulp is removed with small instruments called files and the tooth is disinfected with various solutions which also aid in the removal of the tissue within the tooth.
After the tooth has been internally cleaned, the tooth is now ready to be filled with an inert packing material called gutta percha and sealer. A temporary restoration is placed and the tooth is now ready to have the permanent restoration completed by the restorative dentist.
Q. What are the signs of needing endodontic therapy?
A. Indications for treatment include prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, swelling or tenderness of the tooth or adjacent gums. Sometimes there are no symptoms.
Q. Are pain pills and antibiotics an acceptable substitute for root canal therapy?
A. Pain pills and antibiotics may be necessary to be used in conjunction with endodontic therapy; however they are NOT a substitute. While pain killers and antibiotics can help alleviate symptoms, they are not alternatives to treatment, as the source (pulp tissue) of the potential infection needs to be removed in order to allow for healing to occur.
Q. Are there alternative treatments for root canal therapy?
A. Extraction is an alternative; however, once the adult tooth is gone it is gone forever and replacement options such as implants or fixed partial dentures tend to be more costly and time consuming.
Q. How much will the procedure cost?
A. The fees involved with endodontic therapy can vary based on tooth type and treatment that needs to be rendered. Endodontic therapy fees usually range between $700-$1500.
Q. Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment?
A. In general, after a tooth has undergone endodontic (root canal) therapy, it will require some type of full coverage restoration (crown or onlay) to protect it from fracturing. This restoration should be placed as soon as possible after completion of the root canal. Any unnecessary delay may result in the tooth fracturing and result in tooth loss.
Q. How to contact Dr. Goldberg if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
1401 McHenry Rd.
Suite 121
Buffalo Grove IL 60089
Phone: (847) 913-7700
Fax: (847) 913-7710
E-mail: doc3g@ace-endo.com
Website: http://www.ace-endo.com/
