ROOT CANAL THERAPY

General Information

DEFINITION--A dental procedure designed to save a tooth in which the living tissue (pulp) has died or is chronically diseased.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Teeth and pulp.

REASONS FOR SURGERY--To avoid extraction of the affected tooth.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity; smoking.
• Excess alcohol consumption.
• Recent or chronic illness.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Endodonist; general dentist.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital, dentist's office.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: X-rays.
• During surgery: X-rays.
• After surgery: X-rays.

ANESTHESIA--Local anesthetic.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• Root canal therapy is usually done in 1 to 2 appointments.
• A hole is drilled into the pulp so that any infected matter can be removed.
• The root canals are enlarged and shaped with long, fine-tipped instruments.
• Cotton and a temporary filling are placed in the cavity.
• After a week, or at the next appointment, the filling is removed and the cavity is filled with special material, gutta percha, and the root is sealed.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Pain and swelling.
• Surgical-wound infection.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--Usually none required.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 2 weeks for recovery from surgery. Complete healing may take several months, but there should be no symptoms or discomfort. The tooth should function as long as a normal tooth would. Teeth that undergo root canal treatment usually require a crown.

Postoperative Care

† Use warm, salt--

water rinses for mouth discomfort.

• Brush and floss teeth as usual.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as ibuprophen, for minor pain. Avoid aspirin.

ACTIVITY---No restrictions.

DIET---No special diet. You may want to eat soft foods for a day or two following treatments. Avoid heavy biting.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• The tooth feels loose.