Dr. Jesse Arbaugh is a Dentist who has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Root Canal Treatment.
Q. What is root canal treatment?
A. Root canal treatment is needed when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.
The dentist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the canal, a channel inside the root, then fills and seals the space. Afterwards the dentist will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.
Q. What does treatment involve?
A. Endodontic treatment can often be performed in one or two visits and involves the following steps:
a. The dentist examines and x-rays the tooth, then administers local anesthetic. After the tooth is numb, the dentist places a small protective sheet called a "dental dam" over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva during the procedure.
b. Next the dentist makes an opening in the crown of the tooth. Very small instruments are used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals and to shape the space for filling.
c. After the space is cleaned and shaped, the dentist fills the root canals with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called "gutta-percha." The gutta-percha is placed with an adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the root canals.
d. Finally, the dentist will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.
Q. What are the signs of needing endodontic treatment?
A. Signs to look for include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, tenderness to touch and chewing, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling, drainage and tenderness in the lymph nodes as well as nearby bone and gingival tissues. Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms.
Q. Are pain pills and antibiotics an acceptable substitute for root canal?
A. Pain pills and antibiotics are not acceptable substitutes for root canals. They can and are used as adjuncts in the root canal procedure.
Q. Are there alternative treatments for root canal?
A. The only other alternative is extraction of the tooth. The extracted tooth must then be replaced with an implant, bridge or removable partial denture to restore chewing function and to prevent adjacent teeth from shifting.
Because these options require extensive surgery or dental procedures on adjacent healthy teeth, they can be far more costly and time consuming than retreatment and restoration of the natural tooth. No matter how effective tooth replacements are—nothing is as good as your own natural tooth.
Q. How much will the procedure cost?
A. The cost varies depending on how complex the problem is and which tooth is affected. Molars are more difficult to treat, the fee is usually more. Most dental insurance policies provide some coverage for endodontic treatment.
Generally, endodontic treatment and restoration of the natural tooth are less expensive than the alternative of having the tooth extracted. An extracted tooth must be replaced with a bridge or implant to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. These procedures tend to cost more than endodontic treatment and appropriate restoration. With root canal treatment you save your natural teeth and money.
Q. Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment?
A. You should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist. The unrestored tooth is susceptible to fracture, so you should see your dentist for a full restoration as soon as possible. Otherwise, you need only practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular checkups and cleanings.
Most endodontically treated teeth last as long as other natural teeth. In a few cases, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment does not heal or the pain continues. Occasionally, the tooth may become painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment. Often when this occurs, redoing the endodontic procedure can save the tooth.
Q. How to contact Dr. Arbaugh if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
2929 Carlisle Suite 100
Dallas TX 75204
Telephone: 214 953 0906
Fax: 214.953.0106
Email: jessearbaugh@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.turtlecreekdentalassociates.com
