Dentistry is the known evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the soft and hard tissues of the jaw (mandible), the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent.
An Interview with Dr. Lindsey J. Meder-Cowherd on Root Canal
Dr. Lindsey J. Meder-Cowherd is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Root Canal.
Q. What is root canal treatment?
A. The hard tissue of the human tooth encases a soft inner core called the pulp. The pulp is where the nerve and blood supply of the tooth reside. Root canal treatment is necessary when you have a pulp space that becomes either infected or inflamed. There are different reasons for why a tooth may have a pulp that has become infected or inflamed including: deep tooth decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, a cracked tooth, or trauma to the tooth. Root canal treatment is performed to clean out the infected or inflamed pulp and place a filling material in the remaining space.
Q. What does treatment involve?
A. Treatment first involves a thorough radiographic and clinical evaluation to determine a correct diagnosis. After the dentist determines that the diagnosis indicates root canal treatment, the patient is given local anesthetic to numb the tooth. Then a small protective sheet is placed over the tooth called a rubber dam to isolate the tooth during the procedure. The pulp is accessed through a small opening made in the top of the crown. Once the chamber of the pulp is accessed, small instruments are used to clean and shape the canals of the root. A filling material called gutta percha is then placed with a sealing agent. The filling material and sealer are designed to seal the cleaned canals. A filling is then placed where the small opening was made in the crown.
Q. What are the signs of needing endodontic treatment?
A. Some indicators that you may need endodontic treatment include: tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, tooth trauma, or swelling of the gums.
Q. Are pain pills and antibiotics an acceptable substitute for root canal?
A. Pain pills and antibiotics are not a substitute for a root canal. These agents will only act as a band-aid for a short while and without taking care of the actual problem, tooth pathosis will only continue.
Q. Are there alternative treatments for root canal?
A. Once the tooth pulp has been damaged, the only alternative treatment for a root canal is to have the tooth extracted.
Q. How much will the procedure cost?
A. The cost of a root canal is dependent on the location of the tooth in the mouth and whether the root canal is being done for the first time or is being done after a failed attempt.
Q. Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment?
A. After root canal treatment, a temporary filling is often placed in the access. It is imperative that the patient follow-up and have a definitive filling placed in addition to a crown for adequate protection of the tooth receiving the root canal.
Q. How to contact Dr. Meder if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
1450 28th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone: (515) 224-4455
Fax: (515) 224-4040
Email: endomgr@endopc.com
Website: http://www.endopc.com/
