Root Canals

1. What is root canal treatment?

   Often times, the nerves and blood supply (called the pulp) of a tooth become infected due to decay (caries) or injuries. The tooth sometimes becomes darker in color which indicates that the nerve is dying or already dead. Such teeth need a root canal treatment.

2. Why is a root canal treatment needed?

   If the pulp of the tooth is infected, the infection will spread through the roots to the jaw bone where it will cause an abscess. An abscess is an area where pus gets collected in the tissues. This can cause symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain. The tooth may hurt on biting. If the root canal treatment is not carried out, the infection may spread further and the tooth may have to be removed.

3. What does the treatment involve?

   Depending on the amount of infection in the tooth, the treating doctor will decide whether the treatment can be carried out in 1 or 2 sittings. The treatment involves cleaning out the infected nerves and filling them with a biocompatible filling material. A laser will also be used to clean the canals to ensure better and longer lasting results. A cap will then have to be placed on the tooth to make sure that it doesn't break during chewing.

4. What is a laser root canal treatment?

   A laser is a special device that emits light at a particular wavelength. Lasers used for root canal treatments have a number of advantages. The specific wavelength for root canal treatment helps to kill bacteria in the canals (infection), to remove the dirt left after cleaning the canals as well as dry out any pus that may be present. This helps to ensure that the canal and the tooth are thoroughly cleaned and devoid of any infection. This makes the tooth last longer in the mouth and prevents any recurrences of infection. The laser also helps to reduce any pain during the treatment by burning out the pulp tissue. Hence lasers help to ensure painless root canals as well as better and long lasting results.

5. Is the treatment safe and how long does it last?

   Root canals are safe and a well established mode of treatment supported by numerous long term studies. The materials used to fill the tooth are biocompatible - meaning they do not cause allergies and they are safe to place in the body. Root canal treated teeth last for at least 15 to 20 years if they are taken care of well and if you have put a cap on them. Regular maintenance appointments with the dentist as well as good home care will have the biggest impact on the life of your root canal treated teeth.

6. Are the teeth/caps difficult to clean?

   No. You have to clean root canal treated teeth just the way you care for your natural teeth. The dentist will give you the necessary instructions and will show you the use of certain devices that will help you keep the teeth clean.

7. What are the risks associated with this procedure?

   There are no risks associated with this procedure at all and is safe to carry out in almost every patient.

8. What if I don't have the treatment?

   The alternative is to have the tooth out. Once the pulp is destroyed, it can't heal and it is not recommended to leave an infected tooth in the mouth. Although some people would prefer to have the tooth out, it is usually best to keep as many natural teeth as possible.

9. What type of anesthesia would be used?

   A local anesthetic will be used to numb the part of the jaw where the treatment will be carried out. The effect of the anesthetic would last for about 60-90 minutes.

10. What about pain?

    Patients never complain of pain during the treatment as the procedure is done under anesthesia. Advanced instruments that we use, like endomotors, rotary instruments and lasers further reduce any discomfort. However there may be some mild discomfort for 1-2 days after the procedure. This will be further reduced by the prescribed medication.

11. What precautions should be taken after the procedure?

    There may be some mild discomfort after the procedure. An anti-inflammatory medicine would be prescribed to relieve the same. Avoid biting on very hard foods for 2-3 days after the procedure.

12. What happens next?

    After your root canal treatment has been completed, it is adviced to get a cap (crown) placed on the tooth. Root canal treatment makes the tooth brittle and therefore you need to have a crown to provide extra support and strength to the tooth during biting and chewing.

13. What is the duration of stay required in Bombay for the treatment? How long does the treatment take?

    The timetable of your treatment will be discussed with you after taking a look at your Xrays and doing a check up. It will also depend on the number of root canal treatments that you need. Most of the root canals can be completed in 1 sitting except when the tooth is infected. In cases of infection, 2-3 visits may be required. The cap will be placed thereafter.

14. When can I get back to work?

    Root canal treatments barely cause any discomfort, so you can resume work the same day.

15. When can I start exercising/swimming?

    There is no restriction on exercising and it can be carried out as per normal.

16. What happens if the infection comes back in my tooth?

    This happens very rarely as the success rates of root canals is 98% However, if it does happen again, the root canal treatment can be repeated.

17. What will my tooth look like after the root canal treatment?

    The cap that will be placed on the tooth will look exactly like your natural teeth.