Root Canal

Stoma Advanced Dental Care is equipped with a good team of experienced Endodontists who will study your condition before administering any treatment. We provide you the best in endodontic care with technologically advanced facilities and modern dental practices.

A root canal can save a tooth that would otherwise not survive due to severe damage, infection or decay. Although there is a popular misconception that root canals are painful, they are in fact a comfortable general dental procedure that is designed to bring patients out of pain. If you are experiencing discomfort from an infected tooth, trust Stoma Advanced Dental Care for top quality root canal therapy.

Root Canal

We maintain a warm, comfortable environment and are proud of the individual attention we offer to each patient. State-of-the-art techniques, such as the surgical operating microscope to enhance efficiency and treatment results, are used.

We hope that the information provided here answer many of your questions about endodontic treatment. If you would like additional information, please don't hesitate to contact us at Stoma Advanced Dental Care.

Stoma’s Edge

Root Canal Treatment is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through tooth decay or injury. You may not feel any pain in the early stages of the infection. In some cases your tooth could darken in color which may mean that the nerve of the tooth has died (or is dying).

At your initial appointment dentists will conduct a comprehensive examination to diagnose orofacial pain and pulpal injury and determine if the tooth needs endodontic therapy (root canal treatment). Most endodontic treatment can be done the same day as the consultation.

However, a complex treatment plan or medical history may require an evaluation and a second appointment to provide treatment on another day. Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation.

Your endodontic referral slip and any x-rays, if applicable. Please note that we may take our own x-rays to provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis.

A list of medications you are presently taking.
Important: All patients under the age of 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the consultation visit.
Please alert the clinic if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to treatment (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are on any medication (i.e. heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.)

Treatment procedure

Preliminary treatment removes the decay and the source of infection of the pulp, and also determines whether the lost tooth structure can be restored. If a fracture of the tooth has reached the pulp, or infection is associated with gum disease, it could be more difficult, if not impossible, to save the tooth.

The general sequence of a root canal procedure is as follows:

Step 1

Local anaesthesia is administered via injections to numb the tooth to be treated and the surrounding tissues. If the pulp in a tooth is acutely inflamed, and therefore very painful, it may take a while to get it numb, but your dentist will not start the treatment until it is.

Step 2

A dental dam — a thin sheet of rubber or vinyl — will be placed over the affected and adjacent teeth to isolate infected tooth from the rest of the mouth. The tooth undergoing treatment protrudes through a hole punched in the dam. This allows the root canal treatment to be carried out in a sterile environment free from contamination by bacteria found in saliva or the rest of the mouth

Step 3

A small access hole is drilled through the biting surface of an affected back tooth or from behind a front tooth, allowing access to the pulp chamber and root canals for treatment.

Step 4

The diseased and dead pulp tissue is removed from the tooth with specially designed instruments used to clean out the root canals and pulp chamber. This is not painful; the area is numb and the tissue being removed is either dead or dying. Once the pulp, along with the nerves contained in it, is removed, the tooth itself can no longer feel pain.

Root Canal

An opening is made in the crown to reach the pulp.

Root Canal

Removal of infected pulp and toxins from canal

Root Canal

Filling rubber cones and paste in to canal is carried out

Root Canal

A permanent filling is done

Step 5

The canals are disinfected with antiseptic and antibacterial solutions.

Step 6

The canals are then shaped with tiny flexible instruments to allow them to receive root canal fillings and sealers. The canals are washed and cleaned again to remove root canal debris prior to sealing them.

Step 7

Root canal fillings are selected that will exactly fit into the freshly prepared canals. Usually a rubber-like material called gutta-percha is used to fill the canal space. It is a thermoplastic material (“thermo” – heat; “plastic” – to shape), which literally is heated and then compressed into and against the walls of the root canals to seal them. Together with adhesive cement called a sealer, the gutta-percha fills the prepared canal space. Sealing the canals is critically important to prevent them from becoming reinfected with bacteria.

Step 8

A temporary or permanent filling material will then be placed to seal the access hole that was made to treat the canals, and the dental dam is removed. If the tooth lacks sufficient structure to hold a restoration (filling) in place, the dentist or endodontist may place a post (either metal or a very strong plastic) in one of the canals inside the tooth to help retain it.

Step 9

Root canal filling material (gutta percha) is placed in the canals and the tooth is sealed with a temporary filling to protect it from contamination. Then a crown is usually placed over the tooth to seal and protect it from recontamination and future damage. After the procedure, an antibiotic may be prescribed to treat or prevent infection. Be sure to follow the instructions of your dentist or endodontist carefully. After- effects of treatment are minimal, generally lasting from a couple of days to about a week. It is normal to have some minor discomfort after treatment including slight soreness that can usually be managed with over-the-counter (aspirin, ibuprofen) medications or prescription (codeine-type) drugs, or a combination of the two.

Step 10

Your tooth will need a permanent restoration — a filling or a crown — to replace lost tooth structure, and provide a complete seal to the top of the tooth. Your endodontist will send you back to your general dentist to determine which type of restoration is best for you. This step is of particular importance since many studies show that if the filled root canals are recontaminated with bacteria from the mouth, there could be a recurrence of infection around the tooth

Root Canal Treatment

With the appropriate care, your teeth that have had endodontic treatment will last as long as other natural teeth. Yet, a tooth that has received treatment may fail to heal or pain may continue to exist. Sometimes, the pain may occur months or years after treatment. If so, Endodontic Retreatment may be needed.

Improper Healing May be Caused by:

Root Canal
Root Canal
  • Curved or narrow canals were not treated during the initial treatment.
  • Complicated canals went undetected during the initial treatment.
  • The crown or restoration was not placed within the appropriate amount of time following the procedure.
  • The crown or restoration did not prevent saliva from contaminating the inside of the tooth.
  • In some cases, new problems can influence a tooth that was successfully treated.
  • New decay can expose a root canal filling material, causing infection.
  • A cracked or loose filling or crown can expose the tooth to new infection.
  • Once retreatment has been prescribed.

At this point, you will need to return to your dentist as soon as possible in order to have a new crown or restoration placed on the tooth to restore full functionality.

Treatment procedures for children

An injured immature tooth may need one of the following procedures: -

Apexogenesis

This procedure encourages the root to continue development as the pulp is healed. The injured pulp is covered with medication to encourage growth. The tip of the root (apex) will continue to close as the child gets older. In turn, the walls of the root canal will thicken. If the pulp heals, no additional treatment will be necessary. The more mature the root becomes, the better the chances saving the tooth.

Apexification

In this case, the unhealthy pulp is removed. The endodontist places medication into the root to help a hard tissue form near the root tip. This hardened tissue provides a barrier for the root canal filling. At this point, the root canal walls will not continue to develop, making the tooth susceptible to fractures. So it is important to have the tooth properly restored by your dentist.

Opt for Endodontic (Root Canal)

The dentist at Stoma Advanced Dental Care will recommend Endontic treatment or root canal if you suffer from the following ailment: -

Cracked Teeth

Cracked teeth demonstrate many types of symptoms, including pain when chewing, temperature sensitivities, or even the release of biting pressure. It is also common for pain to come and go, making it difficult to diagnose the cause of discomfort.

This type of crack extends from the chewing surface of the tooth and vertically migrates towards the root. In some cases, the crack may extend below the gum line. It is possible for the crack to extend further into the root. Damage to the pulp is common place. In this case, root canal treatment is usually necessary. A cracked tooth that is not treated will worsen, resulting in the loss of the tooth. Therefore, early detection is essential.

Chewing can cause movement of the cracked pieces of your tooth, and the pulp within the tooth becomes irritated. At the same time, when biting pressure is released, the crack can close quickly, resulting in sharp pain. Eventually, the pulp will become damaged and tooth will consistently hurt, even when you are not chewing. It is possible that cracks can lead to infection of the pulp tissue, which can spread to the bone and gum surrounding the problematic tooth.

Types of Cracks
Root Canal

Craze Lines : These are tiny cracks that only affect the outer enamel of the tooth. These cracks are more common in adults. These types of cracks are superficial and are usually of no concern.

Root Canal

Fractured Cusp: When a cusp becomes weakened, a fracture may result. The cusp may break off or be removed by a dentist. A fractured cusp rarely damages the pulp, so root canal is not necessary. Your dentist will usually restore the tooth with a full crown.

Root Canal

Split Tooth: A split tooth is usually the result of an untreated cracked tooth. It can be identified by a crack with distinct segments. This type of tooth can never be saved intact. Yet, the position and extent of the problem will dictate whether any portion of the tooth can be saved. Sometimes, endodontic retreatment by dentist and restoration by your dentist can be used to save a portion of the tooth.

Root Canal

Vertical Root Fracture : A vertical root fracture begins at the root and extends towards the chewing surface of the tooth. Unfortunately, they show minimal symptoms and may go unnoticed. Treatment involves endodontic surgery if a portion of the tooth can be saved by removal of the fractured root. Otherwise the tooth will have to be extracted.

Traumatic Injuries

There are traumas which can be cured by root canal treatment: -

Root Canal
Root Canal

Dislodged Teeth: Injuries to the mouth can cause teeth to be pushed back into their sockets. Your Endodontist or general dentist may reposition and stabilize your tooth. Root canal treatment is usually started within a few weeks of the injury and a medication, such as calcium hydroxide, will be placed inside the tooth. Eventually, a permanent root canal filling will be implanted.Sometimes a tooth may be pushed partially out of the socket. Again, If the pulp remains healthy, then no other treatment is necessary. However, if the pulp becomes damaged or infected, root canal treatment will be required

Root Canal

Avulsed Teeth: If an injury causes a tooth to be completely knocked out of your mouth, it is important that you are treated immediately! If this happens to you, keep the tooth moist. If possible, put it back into the socket. A tooth can be saved if it remains moist. You can even put the tooth in milk or a glass of water (add a pinch of salt.) Your Endodontist may start root canal treatment based upon the stage of root development. The length of time the tooth was out of your mouth and the way the tooth was stored, may influence the type of treatment you receive. Stoma Advanced Dental Care offers a good team of experienced Endodontists who will study your condition before administering any treatment. We provide you the best in endodontic care with technologically advanced facilities and modern dental practices. If you seek additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.