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Root Canal
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Welcome
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Welcome to our endodontics section. We are privileged to have you with us and we
look forward to giving you the best possible treatment here. Our doctors and staff
are trained in all aspects of conventional and surgical root canal treatment. We
maintain a warm, comfortable environment and are proud to offer each patient service
through state-of-the-art techniques and undivided, individual attention.
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Global Dental Care brings you service through highly-qualified specialists each
of whom places patient comfort and exceptional service as there topmost priority.
In this section we aim to answer as many of your questions as possible about endodontic
treatment. Do contact us with further queries on 23643344/26353355. It will be our
pleasure to talk to you.
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First Visit
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Your initial appointment will consist of a consultation explaining your diagnosis
and treatment options. If planned in advance, most endodontic treatment can be done
on 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 a subsequent day.
Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation:
- Your 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.
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Introduction
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We start with a comprehensive examination to diagnose orofacial pain and pulpal
injury and determine if the tooth is a good candidate for endodontic therapy.
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We usually follow this with non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp.
This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and
sealed.
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Under certain circumstances, microsurgery may be indicated. We are experts in performing
this procedure and utilize sophisticated equipment to ensure the best results.
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Root canals treatment, a technique that has saved millions and millions of smile...
gone are the days when decayed teeth had to be removed. Root canal can save your
unmatchable natural teeth. The technique of root canal has now come a long way with
a great success rate, has improved tooth longevity...
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What is Root Canal
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At the centre of the tooth exists the pulp. The pulp is a collection of connective
tissue, blood vessels and nerves that helps to build the surrounding tooth. The
extension of the pulp into the root is called the root canal. Infection of the pulp
can be caused by trauma, deep decay, fractures or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms
of the infection can be identified as a visible injury, swelling, sensitivity to
temperature or discomfort in the tooth and gums.
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Injuries in Children
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An injured immature tooth may need one of the following procedures to improve the
chances of saving the tooth:
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Apexogenesis
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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 of saving the
tooth.
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Apexification
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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. Thus it is important
to have the tooth properly restored by your dentist.
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What is Root Canal Treatment
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A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed. This simple
treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or
bridges.
At the center of your tooth is its pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that
helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma
to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms
of the infection can be identified as: visible injury or swelling of the tooth,
sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums.
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When Is a Root Canal Treatment Performed?
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A root canal treatment is done when the infection of a tooth reaches the pulp. It
causes inflammation of the pulp that is usually associated with pain and discomfort
It is essential to remove the dental pulp, when the tooth infection (i.e. dental
caries or dental decay) reaches the soft part, (i.e. the dental pulp).
In the procedure the tooth pulp is removed so that the infection is arrested and
no further damage is caused, preserving the tooth for a longer time.
Root Canals can also be done in the following cases:-
- For certain aesthetic or bite improvement procedures
- In cases of the tooth structure loss having led to pulp exposure
- In cases of dental trauma
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How Is a Root Canal Performed?
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When a root canal is performed, an opening is made in the crown to reach the pulp
following which the infected pulp and toxins are removed from the canal. Subsequently,
a filling of rubber cones and paste is carried out in the canal, following which
a permanent filling is done.
This therapy usually involves local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. The entire
procedure may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required.
You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable
returning to your normal routine.
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An opening is made in the crown to reach the pulp. |
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Removal of infected pulp and toxins from canal |
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Filling rubber cones and paste in to canal is carried out |
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A permanent filling is done |
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Success in this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth is
not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you
will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident
during or after treatment.
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What Happens After Treatment? |
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It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic
treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at
all times to respond. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental
hygiene.
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Setting Us Apart
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At Global Dental Care we use state-of-the art equipment such as the revolutionary
endodontic microscope which ensures quick and pain-free results. It enables our
endodontist to locate the root canals and aptly fill them, thus guaranteeing flawless
treatment which helps in increasing the tooth’s longevity. Over and above everything
else, we are fiercely meticulous about hygiene, ensuring that each and every aspect
of the treatment we give is completely safe and sterile.
Apart from root canal treatment we also offer other endodontic treatments such as,
apicoectomy, treatment of cracked teeth and traumatic injuries.
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How Much will it Cost? |
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The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the
severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general,
endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth extraction and replacement
with an artificial tooth.
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Endodontic Retreatment |
Endodontic retreatment is required in the rare instances when a tooth that has received
endodontic treatment fails to heal or if pain recurs. There are times when pain
can return months or years after treatment. In this case, please consult us immediately.
However, in most cases retreatment is not required. With appropriate care, your
teeth that have had endodontic treatment will last as long as other natural teeth.
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Why Improper Healing?
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Improper healing may be caused by:-
- Curved or narrow canals which were not treated during the initial treatment
- Complicated canals which 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.
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In some cases, new problems can influence a tooth that was successfully treated,
including:-
- 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
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Cracked Teeth |
There are many symptoms for cracked teeth including pain when chewing, temperature
sensitivity 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.
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 the 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.
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Types of Cracks
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Craze Lines |
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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.
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Fractured Cusp |
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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 treatment
is not necessary.
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Cracked Tooth |
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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 commonplace. 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.
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Split Tooth |
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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 and restoration can be
used to save a portion of the tooth.
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Vertical Root Fracture |
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A vertical root fracture begins at the root and extends towards the chewing surface
of the tooth. Unfortunately, it shows 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. If this is not possible, the tooth will have to be extracted. |
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Apicoectomy |
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Why Would I Need Endodontic Surgery?
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Generally, a root canal is all that is needed to save teeth with injured pulp from
extraction. Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to
heal the tooth and your endodontist will recommend surgery. Endodontic surgery can
be used to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays but still
manifest pain in the tooth. Damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone may also
be treated. The most common surgery used to save damaged teeth is an apicoectomy
or root-end resection.
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Whatis an Apicoectomy?
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The above diagram illustrates this simple procedure. An incision is made in the
gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue
is removed along with the end of the root tip. A root-end filling is placed to prevent
re-infection of the root and the gum is sutured. The bone naturally heals around
the root over a period of months restoring full function.
Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort or slight swelling while the
incision heals. This is normal for any surgical procedure. To alleviate any discomfort,
an appropriate pain medication will be recommended. If you have pain that does not
respond to medication, please call our office.
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Traumatic Injuries |
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Dislodged Teeth |
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Injuries to the mouth can cause teeth to be pushed back into their sockets. To tackle
this problem, your teeth will have to be repositioned and stabilized. 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.
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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. |
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Avulsed Teeth |
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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
root canal treatment will be started based upon the stage of root development. The
type of treatment you receive may also be influenced by the length of time the tooth
was out of your mouth and the way the tooth was stored.
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FAQs |
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What is Endodontics?
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Endodontics is a stream of dentistry which specializes in the treatment of diseases
that occur inside the tooth, most commonly requiring conventional or surgical root
canal therapy. Root canal treatment is a procedure whereby damaged tissue is removed
from the inside of the root canals of a tooth to save it and prevent further infection
and inflammation. After successful endodontic treatment, the tooth continues to
perform normally.
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Will I Feel Discomfort During or After the Procedure?
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The goal of endodontics is to relieve discomfort caused by pulpal inflammation or
infection. With modern anesthetic techniques, the majority of patients report that
they are comfortable during the procedure. For the first few days after treatment,
your tooth may be sensitive or sore, especially if there was discomfort or infection
before the procedure. In the majority of cases, over-the-counter analgesics are
used for this discomfort, but we might recommend additional medications if necessary.
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What Happens After Treatment?
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When your root canal therapy has been completed we will decide on what type of restoration
is necessary to protect your tooth. We will contact you 3 to 6 months after treatment
for a follow- up examination and digital image to monitor your healing.
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Should I Be Worried About X-rays?
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At Global Dental Care we use digital radiography, an advanced computerized system
that produces radiation levels 90 percent lower than conventional dental x-rays.
These digital images can be optimized and archived.
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Is Infection a Cause For Concern?
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At Global Dental Care you can rest assured that there is no risk of any kind of
infection. We adhere to the most rigorous standards of infection control, using
autoclave sterilization and barrier techniques to eliminate any risk of infection.
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Why Would I Need Endodontic Microsurgery?
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Generally, a root canal is all that is needed to save teeth with an injured pulp
from extraction. Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient
to heal the tooth and we will recommend surgery. Endodontic surgery can be used
to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays but still manifest
discomfort in the tooth. Damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone may also
be treated with this procedure. The most common surgery used to save damaged teeth
is an apicoectomy or root-end resection.
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What is an Apicoectomy?
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An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed
tissue. The damaged tissue is removed along with the end of the root tip. A root-end
filling is placed to prevent re infection of the root and the gum is sutured. The
bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months restoring full function.
Microsurgical techniques allow us to make a minimal incision and access to the root
apex. The surgical operating microscope, providing both illumination and magnification,
plays a central role in today’s success of apical surgery.
Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort or slight swelling while the
incision heals. This is normal for any surgical procedure. To alleviate any discomfort,
an appropriate medication will be recommended.
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Cutting Edge Technology
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At Global Dental Care we believe in using the latest and most effective technology
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Operating Microscope
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In addition to digital radiography, we utilize special operating microscopes during
treatment. This technology allows the endodontist to magnify and illuminate the
areas being worked on, even deep into the root canals of a tooth, often making visible
the source of infection. Ultrasonics
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Ultrasonics
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Ultrasonic instruments are used in conjunction with the microscope to selectively
remove tooth structure or bypass obstructions within the root canal system. |
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Nickel Titanium Instruments
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These elastic instruments allow predictable negotiation and thorough cleaning of
root canals with complex anatomy. |
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Apex Locators
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Computerized technology used to measure the vertical dimension of the root canal
space, ensuring all of the infected contents are removed. |
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Mineral Trioxide Aggregate
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A biocompatible material used for pulp capping, resorption repairs, perforation
repairs, apexification, and root end filling during surgical treatment. |
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