Choose Swiss Smile For The Best Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics)

The term root canal refers to the natural cavity that exists in the center of the tooth, which also contains the nerves of the tooth. Within the root canal, a soft area exists known as the pulp chamber. When this pulp chamber is damaged, root canal treatment or therapy is needed.

Due to the sensitivity, earlier root canal treatment used to be a long and painful process. However, we want to ensure our patients have the best oral care without any pain. So, we have adopted modern techniques and technology to help the root canal treatment to be comfortable. Moreover, in most cases, our team of experts strives to complete the procedure within one or two visits at a Swiss Smile clinic!

Why is Root Canal Treatment Needed?

When the pulp that exists within the root canal is damaged, bacteria present in the pulp chamber begins to multiply. These bacteria, along with the other dying pulp remnants, cause an infected tooth. In some cases, it also results in an abscessed tooth, wherein a pus-filled pocket is formed at the end of the tooth’s root. If the pulp is not treated, it will lead to root canal pain and other issues like:

• Swelling of the jaw, which will eventually spread to other areas of the face, neck, and head
• Bone loss around the tip of the root of the tooth
• Infection at the tip of the root can cause drainage problems. This can create a canal through the surrounding bone, with drainage into the gums or through the cheek into the skin

Hence, treating the root canal is needed at the right time is extremely important to prevent tooth extraction. Our experts have provided certain symptoms that indicate when root canal treatment is needed

Symptoms Indicating That Root Canal Therapy is Needed

Mentioned below are certain root canal symptoms that you should look out for, which indicate that you need to undergo root canal treatment:

• Suffering from severe tooth pain while chewing or applying pressure on the tooth
• High levels of sensitivity in the tooth when exposed to hot or cold temperatures
• Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
• Suffering from swelling or tenderness in the area near the gums
• A persistent or recurring boil on the gums

In some rare cases, no symptoms are present or very evident until severe damage is already done. Hence, we recommend scheduling regular dental checkups at your nearest Swiss Smile clinic to ensure early identification of any oral diseases you may be facing.

Root Canal Treatment Options & Procedure

Endodontics

A root canal treatment can heal even highly diseased and hurting teeth. With the aid of modern treatment technology. 80-90% of diseased teeth can be preserved by root canal treatments.

Affected teeth often show inflammation of the pulp caused by either extensive dental decay, leaking dental fillings, or damage caused by trauma or dysfunctional biting habits. During a root canal treatment, the infected tissue of the tooth root is removed, and the root canal is cleaned and disinfected. An essential aid in endodontics is the surgical microscope, with which even smaller canals can be found, and difficult conditions in the canal can be treated.

Removal of the root tip (Apical root ectomy)

If dental tissue is diseased, causing inflammation of the bone at the root tip, this part of the tooth might need to be removed. Therefore, a minor surgical procedure is indicated following the completion of a previous root canal treatment. This treatment option aims to eliminate the inflammation without losing the tooth by extracting the inflamed tissue and sealing the root canal to keep away bacteria.

Root Canal Treatment Procedure

To ensure that we provide the best treatment to our patients, we have made use of advanced technology to complete the root canal process fast and comfortable. Mentioned below is a detailed description of the root canal steps for the treatment procedure:

Step 1: First, with the help of local anesthesia, we will numb the affected tooth. After the tooth is numb, we might place a dental dam, basically a sheet of rubber, to isolate the tooth to keep it clean and dry during the entire procedure.

Step 2: With the help of very small tools, your Swiss Smile dentist will then create an opening in the top portion of the tooth to gain access to the inside of the tooth. After this, small files will be used to clear all the damaged and diseased pulp from the inside of the tooth. Different cleaners might be used to wash away any remaining pulp. The same files will be used to shape the inner chamber of the tooth. To ensure all the remaining bacteria are killed, an antimicrobial solution will be applied.

Step 3: After cleaning and drying the chamber, your root canal dentist will fill it, most likely with a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha and a sealer. After this, the opening of the tooth will be closed with a temporary filling.

Step 4: After a few weeks, a permanent crown will be placed on top of the tooth. We may also place a small supporting post inside the root chamber to ensure the crown is more stable.

Complications in The Root Canal Treatment

It’s possible that even after undergoing the root canal process, new infections might emerge. Some of the root canal complications include:

• More than one root canals in the tooth
• An undetected crack in the root of a tooth
• A breakdown of the inner sealing material over time, which results in bacteria recontamination of the inner aspects of the tooth

Hence, after the procedure, we always recommend taking extra care of your teeth and gums. We also recommend scheduling regular dental checkups at Swiss Smile clinics, wherein your dentist will make sure that all signs of the infection are gone. It is also crucial to maintain a good oral care routine at home. Our team of experts will be happy to share best practices that you could follow to ensure your oral health is at its prime. With care and attention, a tooth treated with a root canal can stay healthy for the rest of your life.