| Dr. Christopher Hahn is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Root Canal.
Q. Are pain pills and antibiotics an acceptable substitute for root canal?
A. Once a tooth dies & abscesses, pain pills & antibiotics are utilized as an adjutant to endodontic therapy. They are NOT an acceptable substitute for endodontic treatment. Unless we remove the dead tissue from within the roots of the tooth, it will continue to fester leading to the potential loss of the tooth or severe, sometimes life threatening infections & swelling.
Q. What is root canal treatment?
A. Endodontic Procedure Described
Endodontic treatment can often be performed in one or two visits and involves the following steps:
Step One
The endodontist examines and x-rays the tooth, then administers local anesthetic. After the tooth is numb, the endodontist 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.
Step Two
The endodontist 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.
Step Three
After the space is cleaned and shaped, the endodontist 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. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening. The temporary filling will be removed by your dentist before the tooth is restored.
Step Four
After the final visit with your endodontist, you must return to your dentist to have a crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. If the tooth lacks sufficient structure to hold the restoration in place, your dentist or endodontist may place a post inside the tooth. Ask your dentist or endodontist for more details about the specific restoration planned for your tooth.
What to Expect for Pain or Discomfort During or After the Procedure
Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure.
For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. In most cases, this discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Follow your endodontist’s instructions carefully.
Your tooth will feel sensitive to biting pressure. This feeling is a result of the nerve endings in the tissue outside the end of the root where it was cleaned, irrigated and a filler or sealer material was placed.
Also, you might feel a rough area where access was made by your Endodontist. There is a soft, temporary material in that area, which may appear to wear away to some degree before your next dental visit.
What to Do to Relieve Discomfort After the Endodontic Procedure
Taking pain relief medication within one hour of leaving our office is recommended. Take all medication as prescribed by your doctor. If none was prescribed, standard over-the-counter pain relief medication should aid in any discomfort. Aspirin products are NOT advisable as they tend to increase bleeding from the treated area. Please take pain medications with soft food unless otherwise advised by your doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid chewing on your treated tooth, especially gum, candies, sticky or crunchy foods until the tooth has been restored with the crown or inlay as this could dislodge the temporary material and fracture the tooth.
Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment is completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure, or pain that lasts more than a few days, call your Endodontist.
Q. Are there alternative treatments for root canal?
A. When a tooth is abscessed, the only alternative to endodontic therapy would be extraction.
Q. How much will the procedure cost?
A. The cost varies depending on how severe the problem is and which tooth is affected. Molars are more difficult to treat and typically cost more because they usually have multiple roots that must be treated. Most dental insurance policies provide at least partial 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 in order to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. These procedures tend to cost more than endodontic treatment and appropriate restoration.
Q. Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment?
A. You should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until your dentist has restored it. Quite often, a crown is fitted for the tooth. 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 fails to heal or the pain continues. Occasionally, the tooth may become painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment. Often when this happens, another endodontic procedure can save the tooth.
Q. How to contact Dr. Hahn if we have further questions?
A.
3545 South Tamarac Drive #220
Denver, Colorado 80237-1428
Tel : (303) 770-8141
Fax: (303) 689-9389
Email : drrawnerve@gmail.com
Website: www.MileHighEndo.Com |
