With people more interested in restoring their teeth than losing them, the statistics of root canal procedure successes are enticing. Since a root canal can be accomplished in one to three visits to a general dentist or a root canal specialist (endodontist), the procedure can be convenient for people's busy schedules. With anesthesia and modern methods, many people experience little or no pain during a root canal, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Moreover, as a result of the procedure, the pain they were experiencing from the tooth disappears.
Identification
When a tooth becomes painful, swells or is sensitive to hot and cold, it is generally a result of a dead, decayed or infected nerve (pulp) inside the canals of a tooth. Therefore to eliminate the problem, a root canal procedure is performed as an alternative to extracting the tooth. The procedure involves removing the pulp from the canals, then filling the canals with a composition known as gutta-percha. The tooth is sealed and capped or crowned to complete the restoration.
Benefits
Around 40 million root canals are performed annually in the United States. Statistics related to these root canal procedures boast a 95 percent success rate. Root canals can last for the life of the tooth, as long as regular check-ups and good oral health are maintained. However, crowns may need replacing in 10 or more years as they can crack or loosen, allowing bacteria to get to the restored tooth causing the root canal to "fail."
Failures
Failure of a root canal is rare and accounts for 5 percent or less of all root canals performed. Failures can occur for a number of reasons in addition to a loose or cracked crown; at times all the infected pulp may not have been removed. Other causes of failure can result when the canals of the tooth are not thoroughly dried. If any of these situations occur, harmful bacteria can build up around the restored tooth and cause a root canal failure.
Considerations
According to Dr. Nestor Cohenca, Endodontist, patients who have had a root canal performed by an endodontist--root canal specialist, are six times more likely to say they did not experience pain with the procedure. When given the option to save a tooth with a root canal procedure over extraction, around 66 percent of people chose to save the tooth.
Misconceptions
The idea that root canals cause pain has been debunked by the ADA and other professionals--root canals relieve pain associated with a troubled tooth. However, as with most major dental procedures a certain amount of discomfort will be present if awake during the root canal. This discomfort can come from anesthesia administration, sounds and sights during the procedure.
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