Dr. Theodore Ionescu is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Root Canal Treatment.
Q. What is Root Canal Treatment?
A. "Root canal" is the term used to describe the natural cavity within the center of the tooth. The pulp is the soft area within the root canal. Most people would probably refer to a tooth’s pulp tissue as its "nerve." While a tooth’s pulp tissue does contain nerve fibers it is also composed of arteries, veins, lymph vessels, and connective tissue. The root canal treatment involves removing inflamed or damaged pulp tissue from inside a tooth. The pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth are then cleaned and sealed. Root canal treatment is a safe way of saving teeth.
Q. What does treatment involve?
A. A root canal treatment usually involves one or two visits to the dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in problems of the pulp).
The first step in the procedure is to take an X-ray to see the shape of the root canals and determine if there are any signs of infection in a surrounding bone. Your dentist will then use local anesthesia to numb the area near the tooth. Next, to keep the area dry and free of saliva during treatment, your dentist will place a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) around the tooth. An access hole will then be drilled into the tooth. The pulp along with bacteria, the diseased nerve tissue and related debris is removed from the tooth. The cleaning out process is accomplished using root canal files. Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it is sealed. Some dentists like to wait a week before sealing the tooth. For instance, if there is an infection, your dentist may put a medication inside the tooth to clear it up. Others may choose to seal the tooth the same day it is cleaned out. If the root canal is not completed on the same day, a temporary filling is placed in the exterior hole in the tooth to keep out contaminants -- like saliva and food -- out between appointments. To fill the interior of the tooth, a sealer paste and a rubber compound is placed into the tooth’s root canal. To fill the exterior access hole created at the beginning of treatment, a filling is placed. The final step may involve further restoration of the tooth.
Q. What are the signs of needing endodontic treatment?
A. Most people will feel pain and sensitivity as the nerve is irritated and dies. This, however, is not universal. At any rate, persistent tooth pain and sensitivity should not be ignored. It does not necessarily mean a root canal, but you should still see your dentist as soon as possible to identify the problem. For this reason, it is a good idea to have regular dental checkups which might identify potential problems. Frequent checkups will identify problems early and help prevent a situation where a root canal becomes a necessity.
Q. Are pain pills and antibiotics an acceptable substitute for root canal?
A. Pain pills will help with the pain resulting from an inflamed nerve, but will by no means solve the cause of the problem. If tooth pain or sensitivity persists, see your dentist immediately.
Q. Are there alternative treatments for root canal?
A. Once the nerve has died, the tooth only has two options. Either a root canal treatment is performed and the tooth is restored or the tooth is extracted and replaced. A root canal is usually done to preserve the tooth and maintain the functionality and aesthetics of the bite.
Q. How much will the procedure cost?
A. The investment range depends on the position of the tooth since back molars root canals are more complex and time involving than bicuspids or front teeth root canals. It also depends on the root canal being first time performed or by retreating a previously treated root canal. In our office root canal treatment ranges from $699 to $1225. It quickly becomes apparent, however, that catching the problem early and not needing a root canal by performing preventive care will save you a lot of money and time.
Q. Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment?
A. Because a tooth that needs a root canal often is one that has a large filling or extensive decay or other weakness, a crown, crown and post, or other restoration may need to be placed on the tooth to protect it, prevent it from breaking, and restore it to full function. Your dentist will discuss the need for any additional dental work with you.
Q. How to contact Dr. Ionescu if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Ste. 100
Elk Grove, CA 95624
Phone: 916-685-4662
Email: ionescudds@yahoo.com
Website: www.elkgrovedentistry.com
