Looking for information on how an endodontist performs a root canal? Endodontists specialize in the treatment of the dental pulp, which is the area inside the root of a tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. Root canal treatment has a high success rate (higher than 95%) but failure is possible. In this review, we go over what a root canal is, why treatment may fail, and what the signs of a failed root canal are.
An endodontist can perform root canal therapy and address concerns of a failed root canal. It is important to recognize the need for root canal therapy and the signs that indicate one may have failed so that you get the proper and prompt treatment that you need to maintain good oral health.
Root canal treatment is a common procedure that involves removing infected, damaged, or decayed dental pulp and replacing it with a filling material known as gutta-percha. Root canal treatment is often necessary when an infection occurs deep inside the tooth root, especially if the dental pulp becomes infected. It may also be necessary if the patient has severe tooth decay that extends toward the tooth root and a dental filling is not enough to adequately address the concern.
Each endodontist has their own way of helping patients through the root canal therapy process. The first step in the process may involve examining the tooth in question through oral examination and dental X-rays. The root canal itself begins with drilling a small hole in the tooth to access the tooth root. The endodontist then removes the infected dental pulp inside the pulp chamber, cleans the affected area, and fills the tooth with gutta-percha. A recovery process is required, although the procedure itself is typically painless with sedation.
Root canal therapy has a very high success rate. However, like any minor surgery, there is a chance of experiencing complications. Root canal treatment may fail for a variety of reasons. The most common reasons include a fractured tooth, loose crown, and new dental cavities. Root canal failure can happen immediately after treatment or years after. Regardless, it is important to contact the endodontist as soon as possible after a failure occurs.
The signs of root canal treatment failure include gum swelling in the affected area, tenderness to the touch, an inability to move the mouth without pain, and discomfort while biting and chewing. If signs of root canal treatment failure develop, then contact the endodontist for a prompt repair to the tooth.
If you have symptoms of a tooth infection or severe tooth decay and want to find out more about root canal treatment, or if you have recently had a root canal and are experiencing signs of root canal failure, consult with our endodontist team today to arrange a time for an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://santarosaendodontics.com or call Santa Rosa Endodontics at (707) 409-1177 for an appointment in our Ukiah office.
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