Avoiding Root Canals

Hello!

This week we wanted to discuss root canals. The best root canal is the one that never has to happen. But at times, they are necessary and we wanted to share with you what a root canal involves and how you could avoid needing one.

First of all, what is a root canal?


Here is an example of what the different parts of the tooth look like.

• The enamel of the tooth is the hardest substance in the body and is like a protective shell over the tooth.
• The dentin is the inner layer of the tooth and is not as strong as enamel.
• The pulp chamber contains nerves and blood vessels
• The root canal is the channel that supplies the tooth with nutrition by bringing blood vessels and nerves into the pulp chamber

The blood vessels and nerves bring the tooth needed nutrition and provide the tooth with feeling. At times bacteria can invade the tooth and the decay process begins. Once bacteria has gotten through the tough layer of enamel, the decay can progress much more rapidly. Decay that has reached the pulp chamber, will cause it to become infected and over time will die. If the infection remains in the tooth for a length of time, it will eventually make its way to the apex of the tooth, or the end of the tooth, and the infection will begin effecting the surrounding bone. Once the nerve has died, you cannot revive it. At this point a root canal or tooth extraction may be recommended.


Here is an example. You can see at the end of the root on the middle tooth there is a dark shadow. That is the infection. Because decay and infection are less dense than healthy tooth structure, it shows up darker on an x-ray.

The process of having a root canal done goes like this:

• An access point is drilled into the top of the tooth to get to the pulp chamber.
• The entry point for each canal is located.
• Files and irrigation are used to remove pulp and infection from each of the canals.
• Canals are sealed with gutta percha, a rubbery material that protects the inside of the tooth.

X-rays are taken throughout this process to ensure that all the pulp and bacteria have been removed and we've reached the apex of the tooth. A final x-ray is taken to be sure the tooth is completely sealed. And in our office, we use our dental laser to disinfect and kill bacteria as well.



There are microscopic tubules that make up the structure of the dentin. Bacteria from the pulp can reside and remain in the tubules and with traditional root canal therapy, it is very difficult, if not impossible to remove all bacteria from them. But with the use of our dental laser and a special tip designed for root canals, we are able to kill 99.7% of bacteria remaining. This is a benefit to the patient and the dentist.


(A microscopic view of the dental tubules)


How can I avoid needing a root canal or loss of a tooth?

The need for a root canal can be prevented with a few simple steps.

• Keeping your teeth clean. This one seems like a no brainer, but its probably the easiest way to prevent root canals. You can prevent cavities from developing by brushing and flossing your teeth every day.
• Regular bi-yearly visits to the dentist. At your dental visits all your teeth are checked for decay or trauma. Using a dental explorer and taking yearly x-rays we are able to detect decay as early as possible. When we can catch a cavity early, we reduce the amount of drilling, and prevent the decay from getting close to the pulp.
• Avoid trauma. Trauma to a tooth can cause the pulp to swell up and become inflamed. When this occurs inside the hard casing of the tooth, the swelling has no where to go, the access to the canals become cut off and the needed blood supply and oxygen cannot nourish the tooth and will cause the pulp to die. Trauma can be caused by a hit to the face or teeth, over drilling, or a bad bite.
• Regular regiment of anti-inflammatories. Supplements such as Vitamin C, Curcumin, and Fish Oil, are all used as anti-inflammatories. If you regularly take nutritional supplements, you reduce your risk of inflammation not only in your whole body, but also in the tooth, thus promoting healthy blood flow to each of your teeth.
• Cut back on sugar. Certain oral bacteria feed on sugar and excrete acid as a result. This acid breaks down the tough enamel layer of the tooth over time and causes decay. Such sugary items as carbonated beverages, sports drinks, sticky candies, and refined carbohydrates are all culprits in our diets that feed cavity causing bacteria. If you cannot cut these out completely, reducing the amount you take in will reduce the chances of caries, and the need to tooth removal or root canals.

For more information on Root Canals or other Frequently Ask Questions, please check out our new and redesigned website! Seattledentalcare.com

To your health,
Richard Stickney DDS PS