Now that we are able to offer all our treatments again, I thought we can get back to talking about some common dental issues that we encounter that might be of interest to many.

Last weekend, I was invited as a guest in the PIPE Quarantine Zoom Meet-Up. PIPE (Perio-Implants-Prosthetics-Esthetics) is an international dental group that originated in New York, USA, with over 4000 members across the globe.

It was an honour for me to be able to present to my dental colleagues at this time and connect with them via Zoom. The topic was about the definitive restorative management of endodontically treated teeth…in other words, the restoration of root canal treated teeth and its long term success.

Endodontics is a field of interest for me and something that I really enjoy doing in my clinical life. Nerdy, I know, but I honestly find enjoyment in doing root canal treatments!

So why should one consider having Root Canal Treatment? Let’s delve into this.

Root Canal Treatment, also known as Root Canal Therapy (aka “RCT”) is a common dental procedure wherein the primary objectives are to remove infected tissue located inside the tooth, preserve and increase the life of the affected dentition.

The damage caused by dental decay or trauma to the tooth can lead to pain and potential early loss. 

Root Canal Treatment is considered a superior alternative to tooth extraction. Just like other common dental treatments, many patients still perceive that RCT is painful, costly and does not work.

Here are some of the most common concerns and myths about Root Canal Treatment that I would like to address.

What are the symptoms of a tooth needing RCT?

When a tooth becomes infected or damaged, the patient can experience pain.

The typical symptoms of root canal infection of the tooth can vary from sharp, acute intense pain that tends to linger, dull ache and sometimes tenderness when pressure is applied.

How can root canal treatment save a tooth?

The main objectives of RCT are to remove infected tissue, clean the root canal, fill the root canal spaces with a biocompatible material and restore the tooth to provide a complete seal. 

If done properly, the root canal treated tooth can restore back function and aesthetics.

Is root canal treatment painful?

Contrary to popular belief, RCT relieves pain. Before any root canal treatment is initiated, the patient is given local anaesthesia making this dental procedure painless. 

Once the patient is numbed, the dental pulp is removed from an access area from the top of the tooth.

How successful is a root canal treatment?

There are many factors that can contribute to the successful healing of the root canal treated tooth.

This includes how the root canal treatment is done, the steps the dental practitioner implemented and how the tooth is definitively restored (e.g. crown or direct white filling). However, people have varied healing reactions that may contribute to failed RCT cases. 

Recent clinical studies have shown that root canal treated teeth have an overall highly successful healing rate.

If you are suffering from a tooth infection, or perhaps needing further information and clarity about root canal therapy or RCT, it is highly recommended that you seek professional dental advice. Any of our dentists at our practice here in Erina, Central Coast can help you.

Sincerely,

Dr Rouel Vergara DMD