or even loss of the tooth. Some people may not see or feel any symptoms. Others may notice pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, swelling, tooth discoloration, or even tenderness in the lymph nodes or the tissue surrounding the tooth.
Pain, swelling, tenderness in the lymph nodes or fever may be a sign of a true dental emergency or other serious condition and should never be ignored. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend you see Dr. Visanescu or visit an urgent care center right away.
If you experience any of these symptoms, Dr. Visanescu will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for 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. We use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. In addition, we will provide nitrous oxide analgesia if indicated. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.
The Root Canal Procedure
Treatment begins with the initial removal of the tooth crown, or top, to allow access to the pulpal tissue. Once the affected pulpal tissue is exposed, the affected area is removed. The area surrounding and containing the pulpal tissue is carefully cleaned, enlarged, and shaped to provide a clean, bondable surface for filling with a permanent filler to prohibit any further infection and discomfort. The procedure is relatively painless when properly done.
Root canal procedures are often completed in two steps. First, Dr. Visanescu will numb the area to be treated, and will remove the inflamed or infected pulp. She will then clean and shape the inside of the tooth, and fill the space and seal the tooth. Dr. Visanescu may prescribe antibiotics to help heal the infection, and will often create a temporary crown or cap for the tooth. She will provide you with post procedure instructions, which include avoiding very hot or cold food or beverages, as well as chewy or hard foods or snacks for a period of time.
Second, after the infection has cleared and the area is healing, Dr. Visanescu will clean and seal the tooth again and place a permanent crown over the tooth to protect it from further damage and decay. Once the healing is complete, you should be able to return to normal use of your teeth. However, it is important to remember that dental restorations need to be cared for and maintained regularly to make sure they are strong and intact.
Dr. Visanescu will help you decide on the most appropriate treatment for your comfort and crown replacement options (e.g., all-ceramic crown, porcelain fused to gold, all gold crown) to achieve the most natural-looking or most durable restoration for your smile.
Root canal treatment, as well as the permanent crown, can last for a long time with proper care and maintenance. That’s why it is very important to follow a great at home oral hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing, and getting regular professional checkups and cleanings every 6 months.
Many times patients will feel a great amount of relief from swelling or pain following the first part of the root canal treatment has been completed. However, it is very important for patients to complete the entire root canal process including the placement of the permanent crown. Temporary crowns are not a permanent solution, and are designed to protect the tooth only until the permanent crown is completed by the dental laboratory.
The second step of the root canal is important to allow Dr. Visanescu to make sure the infection has cleared, to ensure the tooth is clean and sealed to prevent any openings which may allow food particles, debr