What is ENDODONTICS?
Endodontics, or root canal therapy, is often feared and is the most misunderstood of all dental procedures. In order to comprehend root canal treatment it is useful to understand the anatomy of a tooth. Your tooth consists of two main parts, the crown, which is that part of the tooth you can see, and the root or roots, which is the part of the tooth that lies beneath the gum and is surrounded by bone. Inside each root is a canal, which contains pulp (nerves, blood vessels and soft tissue.) It is necessary to have root canal treatment when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The most common reasons for inflammation and infection are bacteria associated with decay, very deep restorations, fractures or trauma. If pulp inflammation is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess. In order to preserve a tooth in which this has occurred, it is necessary to remove the diseased pulpal tissue, either completely or partially. This procedure is known as endodontic or root canal therapy.
Who is an Endodontist?
An endodontist is a dental specialist with an additional two or more years of specialized training beyond dental school who has received certification from an accredited advanced education program, and who limits their practice to endodontics. Because they limit their practices solely to endodontics, they treat these types of problems every day. They use their special training and experience in treating difficult cases, such as teeth with narrow or blocked canals, unusual root canal anatomy, root canal retreatments and specialized surgeries in an efficient and precise manner. Endodontists use state-of-the-art technology such as operating microscopes, digital imaging, ultrasonic instrumentation and fiber optics, to treat their patients quickly and comfortably.
PREPARATION FOR TREATMENT
Your first visit to us will be a consultation visit.
This would involve a thorough and accurate analysis of your treatment needs.
We will take that opportunity to communicate to you details of the treatment required so that you can fully understand how it would successfully integrate into the rest of your dental care. We aim to provide you with the best possible solutions and deliver those in a professional and compassionate manner.
Most treatments may be commenced and completed on the same day as the consultation visit. Others may entail two further visits. A determination in this regard would be made at the time of consultation and that would be explained.
Root canals are performed using local anesthesia. Typically, there are no restrictions after the procedure concerning driving or returning to work. Dr. Bajwa is available for consultation at all times should a problem arise after your treatment. Please eat a normal breakfast or lunch, as applicable, prior to your procedure.
Continue all medications for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems and all other conditions, as recommended by your physician.
If you have been advised by your physician or dentist to use antibiotic premedication because of mitral valve prolapse (MVP), hip, knee, cardiac or other prosthesis, please make sure you are on the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your appointment.
If you have a question regarding medications, please call our office prior to your appointment. [click here to make your appointment]
DURING TREATMENT
Once the area is anaesthetized (“frozen”), Dr. Bajwa will use a dental dam to isolate the tooth from saliva. Next, an access hole is made into the pulp chamber of the tooth, through which the diseased pulp tissue and infected debris is removed using a series of root canal files.
After the completion of the endodontic therapy, the tooth will be sealed and the access hole filled with a temporary restoration whereafter the general dentist would complete the process with a permanent filling.
POST TREATMENT CARE
ROOT CANAL THERAPY:
While you are anaesthetized (“frozen”), you will not have feeling in the area. Please avoid drinking anything hot, or chewing for about an hour after the procedure as you may bite or burn yourself without noticing.
The aftercare following root canal therapy can vary from patient to patient.
It is normal to feel some tenderness in the area for a few days after your root canal treatment as your body undergoes the natural healing process, especially if there was pain and infection before the procedure. These symptoms are temporary and usually respond very well to over-the-counter pain medications.
Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your root canal treatment has been completed. Remember… If you have any questions or concerns regarding your treatment, please do not hesitate to contact our office!!!
After the completion of the root canal therapy, it is likely that your tooth was sealed with a temporary restoration. Now you would return to your family dentist to have the temporary filling replaced with a permanent one. Contact your dentist as soon as possible to arrange your next appointment. Until you have had your final appointment with your general dentist, please try to avoid chewing or putting pressure on the treated tooth as the unrestored tooth is susceptible to fracture.
Most patients will feel well enough to return to work and their normal activities as soon as the same day or the day after treatment. If you have any questions about your tooth or follow up treatment please don’t hesitate to contact our office at 905 338 2233.
ENDODONTIC MICROSURGERY:
All surgical procedures would be preceded by an initial consultation visit, before the proposed surgery. The consultation visit will help to identify any risks that could impact the management of the case but more importantly, it would give the patient an opportunity to ask questions and become fully acquainted with the treatment procedure.
The majority of patients will simply require over the counter analgesics lasting no more than 3-5 days after surgery. Further instructions will be given to the patient after completion of treatment.
Sutures are usually removed 3-4 days after surgery.