What is a Root Canal Treatment?
When the pulp (nerve) of a tooth is damaged, infected or inflamed, root canal treatment is needed to save the tooth. Treatment involves removing the pulp and sealing the cavity. A crown (or cap) is then required to provide support to the weakened tooth – either porcelain or gold are recommended by our office.
When is Root Canal Treatment required?
If you have any of the following symptoms occur, you may need a root canal treatment:
- Tooth becomes painful – usually many people have a throbbing and aching pain which can spread all over the face
- Tender to bite on tooth
- Tooth is particularly sensitive to hot and cold
- An obvious large cavity (hole) in the tooth
- Tooth suddenly becomes dark in colour.
- Facial swelling limited around the upper and/or lower jaw with or without toothache.
However, the pulp of the tooth may sometimes die without causing noticeable pain.
Regular six monthly dental examinations will help you from such problems going undetected.
How is a root canal done?
Root canal is done under a dental anaesthetic, the remains of the nerve are cleaned through a small hole in the crown of the tooth. Thin files are used, together with cleaning solutions under a rubber dam – a latex barrier which protects your airway and reduces the bacteria during treatment. X-rays and a special detector are taken in the process to determine the length of the canal or canals in the tooth. A sealant is placed in the canal before the tooth is to be crowned. During the course of the treatment,
Studies have shown that more than 80% of root treatments are successful.
How many appointments does it take for my root canal to be completed?
Three appointments. At times it may be more or less depending on how difficult it is to clean your canals.
Between each appointments:
- Temporary fillings will be placed in your mouth up until step three. Between appointments it is common (and not a problem) for a small portion of your temporary filling to wear away or break off.
- Take care not to bite on excessively hard or sticky foods as you can break or dislodge the filling. If this happens please call us as soon as possible to have a new one placed.
- Multiple breakages of the filling will occur an additional charge at our discretion.
- After each appointment when anesthetic has been used, your lips, teeth, and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Please avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off (if you are hungry it is recommended to have liquids instead in this period).
- If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them as prescribed, even if all symptoms and signs of infection are gone
Cost
This depends on how many canals are in the tooth and how broken the crown is in order to restore the tooth. The quoted price from dentist is_______________________________.
It has been explained to me the methods and manner of the proposed treatment, the alternatives to Root Canal Treatment and the possible complication, including, but not limited to the following:
- Post-treatment discomfort lasting a few hours to several days for which medication may be prescribed if necessary
- Post-treatment swelling of the gum in the vicinity of the tooth, or facial swelling, either of which may persist for several days or longer
- Infection
- Trismus (restriction of jaw opening) which usually lasts several days but may last longer
- If any unexpected difficulties occur during any stage of the treatment, I may refer you to an endodontist
- Failure rate of 5%-10%. (If failure occurs the treatment may have to be redone, root-end surgery may be required, or the tooth may have to be extracted)
- Breakage of the root canal instruments during treatment, which may, in the judgement of the dentists, be left in the treated root or require surgery by an endodontist
- Perforation of the root canal with instruments which may require additional corrective surgical treatment or result in premature tooth loss or extraction.
- Premature tooth loss due to progressive periodontal (gum) disease in the surrounding or supporting area.
I understand that the tooth may be weakened following root canal therapy and may need to be supported by the placement of a crown (cap) over the tooth. In the event that I do not return for continued root canal treatment the tooth will be more easily fractured and that the only option that are most likely to be presented is having the tooth taken out.
I understand that I may be advised to return in months for a follow-up radiograph to ensure that proper healing is taking place, and that failure to do so may result in loss of the tooth due to recurrent infection.
All of my questions have been answered by the dentist and I fully understand the above statements in this consent form.
Signature __________________________________
Date ______________________________________
