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Root canal therapy
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What is a root canal?
The outside of your teeth are covered with a protective covering of enamel. Underneath the enamel is an area called the dentin. A little deeper into the tooth, within the dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp. This pulp tissue not only contains nerve fibers, it is also composed of arteries, veins, lymph vessels and connective tissue. Each tooth’s nerve enters the tooth at the very tip of its roots. From the tip of the root, the nerve runs through the center of the root in small “root canals,” which join up with the tooth’s pulp chamber.
What causes pain?
When an infection of the pulp occurs or the pulp becomes inflamed from a deep cavity or fracture, the blood supply to the tooth may be compromised and the tooth pulp may die. If the pulp becomes damaged or dies, this causes increased blood flow and activity in the tooth’s cells. Pressure may build within a tooth that cannot be relived, causing pain that is commonly felt when biting down, chewing, or consuming hot or cold foods and fluids.
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What if I don’t get treatment?
If one does not seek immediate treatment, the infection within the tooth will spread and go into the bone around the tooth and start the degeneration of the bone, possibly causing the tooth to fall out or need to be extracted. If one does not seek immediate attention, the pain usually worsens until you are forced to seek out a dentist for treatment.
What is root canal therapy or treatment?
When the nerves within the teeth die or become irreversibly damaged, this is the procedure that removes the damaged or dead pulp tissue within the root canal of the tooth. The canal is then reshaped with special instruments and disinfected and it is filled with a material called gutta percha, a rubber like material, that seals the root end of the tooth to prevent recontamination of the tooth. The tooth is then permanently sealed with a filling or permanent restoration.
How will I feel after treatment?
There may be some inflammation around the gum tissue and above the root due to the delivery of the local anesthetic, which will cause little or moderate discomfort for a few days to a week or so. This discomfort can usually be controlled by an over the counter pain medication. In some cases the dentist may prescribe special medications for more sever pain. A follow up visit to your dentist will help him or her to evaluate how your tooth is healing.
Are there options to root canal therapy?
If a tooth is seriously infected, the only alternative to a root canal treatment is to extract the tooth. This however, can cause the surrounding teeth to move, resulting in the development of a bad bite. Even though a simple extraction may be perceived as lees expensive, the empty space left behind from the extraction of the tooth, will require an implant or a bridge, which ultimately can be more costly then a root canal therapy.
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Dental bridges for replacing missing teeth
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What are dental bridges?
Dental bridges are false teeth anchored on neighboring teeth in order to replace on or more missing teeth. The false tooth is known as a pontic and is fused in between two crowns that serve as anchors by attaching to the teeth on each side of the false tooth and thereby bridging them together.
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When are dental bridges needed?
Bridges are recommended when there are one or more teeth missing that affect your:
• Smile and appearance
• Poor bite as a result of other teeth leaning into the space and altering the way the upper and lower teeth bite together.
• Speech
• Shape of your face
Gum disease and tooth decay as a result of food accumulation in the gap.
Do missing teeth need to be replaced?
Yes, and for many reasons:
• To improve your appearance
• To reduce the strain on the teeth at either side of the missing tooth.
• To prevent the neighboring teeth from leaning into the resulting gap and altering the bite.
• To prevent gum disease and tooth decay due to accumulation of food in the gap.
Types of dental bridges:
• Traditional fixed bridge—this is the most commonly used type of bridge an consists of a pontic fused between two porcelain crowns that are anchored on neighboring teeth or implants. The pontic is usually made of either porcelain fused to metal or all ceramic. When these are placed in the mouth they are fixed and can not be removed.
• Cantilever bridges—these are placed in areas like the front teeth that are susceptible to lower stresses. Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth present only on one side of the space, where the false tooth is anchored to one or more adjacent teeth on one side.
How long will a dental bridge last?
Dental bridges can last 10-15 or more years, provided that you maintain good dental hygiene and eating habits.
Are there advantages to a dental bridge:?
• They are natural in appearance
• They generally require only two appointments
• They have a good life period, lasting 10-15 years, provided that you maintain good hygiene
• They improve your appearance, bite issues as well as speech problems occurring as a result of the missing teeth.
Are there disadvantages to a dental bridge?”
• Teeth become mildly sensitive to extreme temperature for a few weeks
• They require healthy tooth structure from neighboring teeth to be prepared
• Your teeth and gums are vulnerable to infection as a result of accumulation of bacteria and food acids if proper hygiene is not maintained.
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