ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

     Why Do I Need A Root Canal?
     There are several reasons why you may need a root canal. The most
     common are:

    1. Trauma - a physical blow to a tooth or a constant striking by a
       tooth in the opposite jaw that traumatizes the tooth.
    2. Physical irritation - deep decay or a very large filling.

     Regardless of the initial cause, the tooth pulp becomes irritated
     and an abcess (infection) occurs. Bacteria from your saliva grow
     within the tooth pulp, causing pressure and pain. In some cases your
     face may swell. Eventually the pulp dies, causing the bone around
     the tooth to be destroyed.

     What is Root Canal Therapy?

     Root canal (endodontic) therapy treats disorders of the nerve (pulp)
     of the tooth. In the past, a tooth with a diseased or infected nerve
     had to be removed. However, in 95 percent of these cases today, this
     is no longer true. We believe in saving teeth (instead of removing
     them) and we will make every effort to save yours!

     An opening is made through the crown into the pulp. (Your mouth may
     be numbed prior to this procedure.) The diseased pulp is then
     carefully removed. The root canal area inside your tooth is cleaned,
     enlarged and shaped. Then, depending on your individual case, the
     root canal(s) and pulp chamber may be permanently filled and sealed.
     In some cases, however, a temporary medication is placed in the
     tooth to control bacterial growth and reduce infection.

     Most often, a temporary filling is placed in the opening of the
     tooth until the next visit. In some cases, however, the tooth may be
     left open. This allows the infection to drain.

     At a later date inside of the tooth is sterilized, to  remove
     any remaining bacteria. Throughout the root canal procedure
     X-rays are taken to ensure that all of the infected pulp is removed
     and that the walls inside the canal are smooth. Then the root canal
     and pulp chamber are permanently filled and sealed. Finally, the
     tooth is fully restored to chewing function - most often with a full
     crown.

   Some indications of the need for root canal treatment may be:

     * Spontaneous pain or throbbing.
     * Pain while biting or chewing.
     * Sensitivity to hot and cold.
     * Severe decay or injury that causes an abscess (infection) in the
       bone surrounding the tooth.

Step Wise Treatment Procedure

     Step 1

     After the tooth is anesthetized, an opening is made through the
     crown into the pulp chamber.

     Step 2

     The lengths of the roots' canals are determined.

     Step 3

     Unhealthy pulp is removed. Canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped
     using progressively larger endodontic files.

     Step 4

     Canals are filled and sealed. A metal post may be added for
     structural support or to retain restorative materials.

     Step 5

     The tooth is sealed with a tempory filling. Usually a gold or
     porcelain crown adds further protection.

   If treated early, root canal therapy need not be uncomfortable. With
   the use of local anesthetics, the entire procedure can be totally
   painless.

   Sometimes when there has been long standing infection or abscess,
   there may be some soreness associated with the first or second root
   canal visit. When an infection is present, it may be necessary to take
   an antibiotic. If pain should be present, analgesics may need to be
   prescribed.

   POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

    1. Postoperative discomfort is sometimes experienced after a
       treatment visit. This is due to irritation of the bone surrounding
       the tooth and may range from a mild discomfort in the area to an
       occasional episode of considerable pain. This discomfort will
       usually maximize in approximately 48-72 hours and then subside.
       Please avoid chewing on the treated tooth for a few days.

    2. If a throbbing sensation occurs please keep your head elevated as
       much as possible and place extra pillows under your head when
       lying down. Avoid as much as possible any strenuous activity as
       well.

    3. If your tooth has been left open to aid in drainage of an
       infection, please place cotton in your tooth as directed. Do not
       leave the cotton in the tooth between meals.

    4. If swelling of the gum is present or should appear after a
       treatment visit, please rinse the area every 1-2 hours with a
       solution of warm salt water prepared by adding a teaspoon of salt
       to an 8 oz. glass of warm water.

    5. If swelling of the face is present or should appear, apply an ice
       pack to the area for 5 minutes every 1/2 hour.

    6. If antibiotic medication has been prescribed please take it as
       indicated until you have finished ALL of the medication.