Root treatment is also known as endodontic treatment or root canal therapy. These terms describe a sub-speciality of dentistry the broad purpose of which is to treat the disease of the dental pulp and related structures.
Derived from the Greek "endo" inside and "donto" tooth, the process of endodontics is often termed root canal therapy as it involves careful cleansing of the interior of the root canal system, germicidal treatment of these spaces, filling and sealing of the involved anatomy.
Why a referral is necessary Complex cases often involve the back teeth, teeth possessing curved canals which make negotiation difficult, or re-root treatment cases which are usually the subject of referrals.To enable visualisation of the fine anatomy Dr Charlesworth works with the benefit of an operating microscope.
Why it is important to save your tooth Once a tooth is lost the surrounding bone resorbes (shrinks).This process results in loss of support to the surrounding facial tissue. Consequently, further potential problems can arise from the adjacent teeth and teeth opposing the newly created space.
Why root treatment is needed. Five main causes are responsible for the inside of a tooth becoming infected or diseased.
1.Decay.
2.A very deep filling.
3.Gum disease (periodontal disease).
4.Severe blow to the tooth such as a fall or sporting injury, often resulting in crack formation.
5.Re-infection of a previous root treated tooth.
Any one of these causes may result in swelling and pain, though occasionally a slow painless degeneration may occur.
Our aim is to preserve the tooth and surrounding bone avoiding the need for replacement teeth such as implants, dentures or bridges.
Equipment Like many medical procedures our techniques and materials are constantly updated and improved. Excellent success rates are achieved, for example, over 90% for first time root treatments and over 80% for re- treatment cases.
Operating Microscope: Magnification of the minute working spaces is essential for success. Work is carried out with the aid of an operating microscope to achieve a thorough visualisation of the root canal system.
Your Visit:This will be the same as a normal visit to your family dentist, without the need for any special arrangements. As a matter of routine we carry out free consultations when we discuss your individual case, if necessary take a small X-Ray and finally give an opinion if work can be carried out with a possible success rate.
This visit will allow you to decide whether you wish to proceed with your treatment.
Canal Preparation We use modern nickel titanium instruments,(SINGLE USE), electronic apex location devices, System B & Obtura warm root filling techniques, all of which will be explained as the treatment progresses.The tooth is always isolated with a rubber dam to ensure a safe and clean working zone.
Number of visits Excluding your free consultation, most cases are completed after one or two appointments.
The final restoration Once the root canal spaces inside your tooth have been cleansed, medicated and filled, the access through which treatment was carried out will be sealed with a cement filling.This outermost filling is not permanent, which necessitates an appointment with your family dentist for the final restoration.
Additional protection in the form of a crown or onlay is often necessary and your dentist is best qualified to determine how best to restore your tooth.
Until you have visited your dentist it is wise to exercise care when biting on the treated tooth.
STRESS FRACTURES/CRACKS IN TEETH
A microscope has been utilised to produce the following photographs, they illustrate a crack in the centre of molar teeth.
Dr Charlesworth will investigate the area of a stress fracture/crack and if appropriate commence root treatment .. Once completed, the tooth will required a crown to avoid further crack formation. Cracks in teeth can be problematical and may be difficult/impossible to resolve. Patients are informed in such cases as the success rate of root treatment may be compromised.This information will enable you to make an informed decision as to the risk/benefit of having a root canal procedure undertaken.
Like all medical procedures, success rates do vary,no two cases are identical.Above all we aim to provide you with all the relevant information particular to your case.
EVIDENCE BASED DENTISTRY SUPPORTS THE USE OF A COVER OVER THE OUTER EDGE OF YOUR TOOTH TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF TOOTH FRACTURE.
PICTURED BELOW IS A ROOT TREATED MOLAR THAT DID NOT RECEIVE COVERAGE, THE RESULTING SPLIT DOWN THE TOOTH MADE RESTORATION IMPOSSIBLE ,THE TOOTH REQUIRED EXTRACTION.
ipc 2009
a molar tooth showing multiple fractures
IPC 2009
FRACTURED ROOT TREATED MOLAR