ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

Root canal treatment (RCT) is typically needed when a patient has inflammation or infection in the roots of a tooth. Some symptoms to inflamed or infected tooth roots are severe pain while chewing or biting, pimples on the gums, a chipped or cracked tooth, sensitivity to hot or cold, swollen or tender gums, and deep decay or darkening of the gums.
During the root canal treatment, the pulp inside the tooth is carefully removed. The pulp tissue help grow the root of your tooth during its development, but a fully developed tooth can survive without the pulp because the tissues surrounding it continue to nourish the tooth. The area is cleaned, disinfected and shaped to root canals. Then the space filled and sealed.

During the Root canal treatment, patients are given anesthesia. Generally patients experience soreness or numbness after the procedure, and can even cause mild discomfort for a few days.

Apicoectomy Procedure

Apicoectomy is a minor surgical procedure that’s necessary when root cannot treatment alone cannot heal an infected tooth. In Apicoectomy procedure, the gum tissue near the tooth is opened to see the underlying bones and to remove any inflamed or infected tissue. The very end of the root is also removed. The space may be filled to seal, and a few stiches or sutures are placed in gingiva to help the healing process. The bone around the end of the root heals over a period of months.
Patients will be given anesthetics for the procedure. Patients will experience discomfort or experience swelling while the incision heals. This is normal.

After the Root canal treatment procedure and/or Apicoetomy procedure, patients will be given specific post-operation instructions to follow. If you have pain that does not respond to prescribed medication, or is you have questions after the procedure, call us.

Tooth Extraction as an Alternative Treatment

The alternative to the root canal treatment and/or Apicoetomy procedure is the tooth extraction. This alternative treatment require surgery or dental procedures on adjacent healthy teeth, such as an [link] implant, [link] bridge, or [link] removable partial denture. This is to restore functions are chewing and speaking, and to prevent teeth from shifting. Many dental offices recommend root canal treatment as an alternative to tooth extraction as it is more biologic and cost-effective option.