Non-Surgical Root Canal

A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges. At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. The pulp tissue may die and serve as a focus for infection. The pulp may become irreversibly inflamed prior to pulp death. Both conditions require removal of the involved tissue. The symptoms of a dead pulp may include spontaneous pain, pain brought on by a temperature change *usually heat", swelling, fever, biting sensitivity or any combination of these symptoms. Symptoms of an irreversible inflammation of the pulp might include spontaneous pain or lingering pain brought on by some type of stimulus such as a temperature change, usually cold. Pain that lingers for more than 2 to 3 seconds usually indicates an inflammation that cannot be reversed. Most patients describe endodontic pain as a "dull throbbing" ache. Many times the discomfort is more intense when the patient lays down at night and they are sometimes awakened by the pain.

How is a root canal performed? If you experience any of these symptoms, Dr. Gerlecz will most likely recommend endodontic therapy (a root canal) to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. We use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.

What happens after treatment? Most teeth that will require a crown after the root canal is completed. If the root canal was done through an existing crown, the access is sealed with a permanent filling material. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. Some patients may experience sensitivity to pressure or biting within 18 to 36 hours after their appointment. This is normal and typically lasts for 3 to 5 days, getting better each day. We recommend taking 2 over-the-counter ibuprofens (400mg) every 4-6 hours for three days. This works very well in most instances. Some patients are unable to take medicines like ibuprofen. You should talk to your physician or Dr. Gerlecz before taking any medication if you have questions. If you are having symptoms that are not responding to medicines we have recommended or prescribed, you should contact our office. After hours, you should call Dr. Gerlecz at home or on his mobile phone.