Chandler Park Dental Care Bowling Green, KY 42104 Cosmetic, Sedation & Family Dentistry
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Dental Care Bowling Green KY
Eating candy, toffee, snacks and munchies can cause teeth to decay because of the cultivated starches that get stuck between the teeth and in turn cause periodontal disease. This type of fast food that remain in the mouth for long intervals cause bacteria to grow which forms acidic and then decay the teeth and the gums.
How do we know when food can affect our teeth causing bacteria?
We would be able to make out when food is stuck between teeth when even after some a long time we can get the taste of that food or can feel it around. This is bad because it has already caused the bacteria to thrive.
What are the consequences of eating Fast Food in Children?
Children are the first to bear the brunt of fast foods especially if their life revolves around it. The outcomes, which not only affects teeth but also overall health in daily life are:
- Food that gets stuck in between teeth causes tooth decay leading to endless pain.
- Their school life gets affected with this pain disturbing their concentration and hindering their learning capacity.
- Eating too much of this food, which lacks nutritive value, can result in obesity, diabetes (Type 2) and problems related to the heart.
- All these factors can worsen over time causing acute tooth infection.
- For growing children, fast food which lacks nutrition and does not have enough calcium causes harmful effects on new teeth coming in which could be unhealthy and lack strength.
- Lack of nutrition and calcium can cause weak bones and ion deficiency could result in stunted brain development.
Above article from www.DentalHealthsite.com
Cosmetic, Sedation & Family Dentistry
Chandler Park Dental Care
1857 Tucker Way
Bowling Green, KY 42104
(270) 282-4777
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Dental Sedation Bowling Green KY - Dental Anxiety
So, you have your next Dentist appointment and that’s scaring the hell out of you. You don’t think the dentist and human beings have anything in common. Well, you are a victim of Dental Anxiety (Dental Phobia). Dental Anxiety is the fear of receiving dental care or the fear of Dentist himself. Just the thought of visiting a dentist might be enough to instill a deep sense of fear in the affected person.
A large percentage of people: 75% of people feel some degree of dental anxiety while visiting the dentist. 20% of these will only visit the dentist if they are in extreme pain have a dental emergency.5% of these people so gripped by dental phobia that they will avoid dental care at all costs.
Causes of Dental Anxiety
Plenty of causes can cause Dental anxiety such as
Prior Experiences: Most people affected by Dental Anxiety tend to complain about horrifying experiences from a certain Dentist which includes the psychological aspects (such as humiliation or mocking) apart from the actual physical pain involved.
The immediate surroundings: If you are a Dental Phobic, it’s highly likely that your children will also pick that up. Our perception of most things is based on how the people close to us feel about it. Hence, another major reason for Dental anxiety is by picking it up from the people around us.
Bad experience of others: Your best friend got a root canal done and just hearing the stress and pain she had to undergo makes you cry .Stories circulate easily how a certain “X’ said that RCT is so painful that he would rather die than get a root canal done.
Embarrassment: You feel your teeth are the worst in the world and know for sure the dentist is really gonna give it to you when he sees your teeth. People tend to be embarrassed on their condition and not willing to open up on the issue-even to their dentist.
Uncaring Dentist: A really uncaring dentist can put most people off and instill hate for the dentist and dental care. Some dentist seem to quite uncaring by mocking the patient on their state or even humiliating them by sarcastic remarks.
Lack of Control: Some people cannot be put in the dentist chair simply due to the lack of control they have. They do not appreciate the dentists control over them instructing them what to do, putting weird things in their mouth etc.
Understanding Dental Anxiety
Well, Let us analyze these fears. Are they valid and to what extent?
People who have dental phobia have a valid reason for their fear and that is well acknowledged.People who have had bad experiences despise dentistry altogether and believe it for sure that all the dentist can cause is pain. What the person does not realize is that the day they had there painful treatment done, the other 100 or so who got the same treatment done the same day had no problems whatsoever. He just happened to be one out of hundred who had a bad day.
Let’s think of this way. You fell down the stairs today and hurt yourself. Now you aren’t gonna quit going down stairs just coz you fell today. This is coz you know for a fact that today just happened to be bad day and it does not happen every time.
People who impart their fear from their surroundings just associate dentistry with pain. This can be really bad for children since they tend to be affected the most and retain this fear life long. People who tell us of their terrifying experience during their wisdom tooth extraction sure don’t tell us there were 10 other patients who got the same treatment done that day with no problems. Also, Humans tend to exaggerate emotions like pain, fear, hatred or love and hence person might end up expressing a really bad experience where in reality it wasn’t that bad.
So, you constantly hear about people’s horrifying experiences and it makes sense to you that so many people can’t be lying. Did you watch the news today? There was a terrible plane crash that killed 67 passengers. Damn! Should people quit flying ? NO!
There were other million flights that reached their destination safely and the news sure did not mention this just because it’s normal and not news worthy. People tend to reflect on bad experiences and no one would be running around telling how they had a painless procedure done by a dentist.
Some people tend to be extremely sensitive and a single bad remark by a dentist can deepen their already existing fear of dentist. The dentist might not be altogether at fault either. It could just have been a casual remark but the patient took it otherwise. Such patients need to be treated with care.
People who think their teeth are the worst need to think again. The dentist treats patients with varying degree of problems. He has definitely seen teeth worse than you and treat them on a daily basis.
How Dentists eliminate pain and discomfort?
A comforting aspect might be to know how the dentist eliminates the pain.If you haven’t been to the dentist since the 1990′s, be informed that dentistry has evolved extensively and the modern dentist can perform most procedures with little or no pain. If you fear pain you should know what a dentist does to reduce or eliminated the pain.
Using Local Anesthetics:
For procedures such as a root canal or a wisdom tooth extraction, a local anesthetic is used. These make you insensitive to the pain. It works by blocking the nerve which is responsible for the actual feeling of pain.
Using Relaxants
Laughing Gas is commonly used for relaxing patients who might feel anxious.
Using Modern Techniques:
Dentistry is a constantly evolving field and new innovative ways are developed that are effective and less discomforting for the patients. One such example is the scaling procedure. There were no machines previously to do the tooth cleaning procedure and dentist had to rely on hand held instruments to remove tartar deposits from the patient’s teeth. This manual procedure tended to be quite discomforting and now we have machines that do all the work quickly, effectively and with minimal discomfort.
FINE! I have Dental Anxiety. Now what to do?
The first step in treating any problem is acknowledging it in the first place. Now, you need to disassociate the word “pain” with dentistry. Many people anticipate the pain which instills fear in them. Quite a few patients are surprised by how painless and easy the treatment was.
Dentists are well trained to handle anxious patients and hence you need to voice your concern. Let the dentist know that you are uncomfortable and what uncomforts you and he will do the best he can to relax you and address your concerns.
Treating Dental Anxiety
Dental Anxiety is a learned behavior(due to various factors) and it can be unlearned by behavioral and cognitive treatments.
Behavioral treatments include relaxation techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.
Cognitive techniques include cognitive restructuring and guided imagery.
There are various dentists who specialize in treating fearful patients and you can find them to be extremely relaxing and comforting and they are very successful in treating most patients.
Above Article from www.Dentalhealth.com
Cosmetic, Sedation & Family Dentistry
Chandler Park Dental Care
1857 Tucker Way
Bowling Green, KY 42104
(270) 282-4777
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Dental Bridges Bowling Green KY
Learn More About Dental Bridges
Dental Bridge otherwise known as a Fixed Partial denture comes under a branch of dentistry known as Prosthodontics. The major function of the Dental Bridge is to fill the gap between teeth generated due to the missing of one or more teeth. Here, a bridge is created of two crowns for the teeth on each side of the gap and the gap itself is filled by a false tooth/teeth.
The two teeth on the either side of the false teeth play the anchoring role and are termed as abutment teeth. The false teeth are known as pontics in dental terms. These false teeth (Pontics) are made from the materials like alloys, gold, porcelain or with a combination of all the materials. The dental bridges can get the necessary support with the help of natural teeth or by implants.
Why Dental Bridges?
There is immense number of benefits you can avail of, while going in for dental bridges. The major advantage of these bridges is that with the help of them you can easily restore your smile as well as personality. It is a fact that you will certainly feel uncomfortable while biting food, even if one tooth is missing. If you are missing multiple teeth, it becomes quite difficult for everyday activities such as eating or speaking. This problem can easily be sought out, with the help of bridges.
Types of Bridges
There are three main types of bridges available, which you can choose from. One of them is the traditional bridge, which is the most common amongst all the available bridges. It is manufactured with the help of porcelain, which is normally fused with any metal or ceramics.
The next important type includes cantilever bridges. These kinds of bridges are used only in special cases. They are applied, when there is the presence of adjacent teeth on one side of the missing tooth or teeth.
The last major type of bridge includes Maryland bonded bridge. They are also known as resin-bonded bridge. These bridges are normally made from plastic teeth and gums and are supported with the help of a metal framework. There are metal wings present on each side of the bridge, which make a link with the existing teeth for it’s proper fixation with the socket.
Dental Bridge Procedure
If you want to obtain a dental bridge, then you will be required to make visits to the dental clinic a few times. During the first visit to the clinic, Diagnosis and general evaluation is carried out to make sure dental bridge is the right treatment for you. Then abutment teeth are prepared according to the requirement of your bite. A specific portion of the enamel is removed so that the crown can be placed over the teeth. In the next step impressions of the teeth are taken, so that it can be taken as a model for the manufacturing of pontic, crowns and bridges in the dental laboratory. Your dentist will provide you a temporary bridge for the protection of exposed gums and teeth for some period of time.
In the next visit, the temporary bridge will be removed and a new permanent bridge will be located in the place, which can easily be adjusted according to the requirement of the patient. It will take around 2 weeks for permanent bridge to get cemented into its location. After that it can perform its function independently.
Above article from DentalHealthSite.com
Cosmetic, Sedation & Family Dentistry
Chandler Park Dental Care
1857 Tucker Way
Bowling Green, KY 42104
(270) 282-4777
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Dental Veneers Bowling Green KY
Dental Veneers
Dental Veneers (also referred to as porcelain veneers or porcelain laminates) are thin tooth colored shells that are custom made for individual patients and placed on the frontal surface of the teeth to improve its appearance.
They are made from porcelain or resin composites but porcelain has superior stain resisting properties. However, the type of veneer appropriate for an individual can be correctly determined only by a dentist.
What are dental veneers used for?
Dental Veneers (or Porcelain Veneers) are used in a variety of cases such as
-Individual discolored teeth
-Worn, chipped or fractured teeth.
-Uneven and irregularly shaped teeth.
-Widely spaced teeth
-What is the procedure in placement of a dental veneer?
Placement of a dental veneer can only be performed by a qualified Dentist which involves basic 4 steps.
-Diagnosis and Treatment planning
-Preparation
-Etching
-Placement and Bonding
1. Diagnosis and Treatment planning: This involves the Dentist determining whether it is appropriate for you to get a Dental Veneer and discuss its limitations with you. He will also take an impression of your oral cavity.
2. Preparation: This involves scraping the outer layer of the tooth up to the thickness of veneer that is to be placed. The dentist may use a Local Anesthetic if required. A model of the patients tooth is made which is sent to the laboratory. Repeated color adjustments might be required to achieve a suitable color. A dental veneer is constructed on this model which can take a few weeks.
3. Etching: The next time the patient is called at the clinic is for the actual veneer placement. The dentist first places the veneer against the tooth and checks for its correct position. Now the dentist cleans and polishes the tooth surface on which the veneer is to be placed. The dentist then uses an acid to etch your teeth i.e it creates a roughened tooth surface which improves its bonding to the veneer.
4. Placement: The Veneer will be placed on the tooth surface with a special tooth colored material called composite used for attachment. After the position has been determined, a special light is used which improves and quickens the bonding/hardening process. A few final adjustments may be necessary and a couple further visits are required by the patient to ensure a normal response of the gums towards the veneer.
Above article from DentalHealthSite.com
Cosmetic, Sedation & Family Dentistry
Chandler Park Dental Care
1857 Tucker Way
Bowling Green, KY 42104
(270) 282-4777
Web: http://chandlerparkdentalcare.com/
Dental Veneers (also referred to as porcelain veneers or porcelain laminates) are thin tooth colored shells that are custom made for individual patients and placed on the frontal surface of the teeth to improve its appearance.
They are made from porcelain or resin composites but porcelain has superior stain resisting properties. However, the type of veneer appropriate for an individual can be correctly determined only by a dentist.
What are dental veneers used for?
Dental Veneers (or Porcelain Veneers) are used in a variety of cases such as
-Individual discolored teeth
-Worn, chipped or fractured teeth.
-Uneven and irregularly shaped teeth.
-Widely spaced teeth
-What is the procedure in placement of a dental veneer?
Placement of a dental veneer can only be performed by a qualified Dentist which involves basic 4 steps.
-Diagnosis and Treatment planning
-Preparation
-Etching
-Placement and Bonding
1. Diagnosis and Treatment planning: This involves the Dentist determining whether it is appropriate for you to get a Dental Veneer and discuss its limitations with you. He will also take an impression of your oral cavity.
2. Preparation: This involves scraping the outer layer of the tooth up to the thickness of veneer that is to be placed. The dentist may use a Local Anesthetic if required. A model of the patients tooth is made which is sent to the laboratory. Repeated color adjustments might be required to achieve a suitable color. A dental veneer is constructed on this model which can take a few weeks.
3. Etching: The next time the patient is called at the clinic is for the actual veneer placement. The dentist first places the veneer against the tooth and checks for its correct position. Now the dentist cleans and polishes the tooth surface on which the veneer is to be placed. The dentist then uses an acid to etch your teeth i.e it creates a roughened tooth surface which improves its bonding to the veneer.
4. Placement: The Veneer will be placed on the tooth surface with a special tooth colored material called composite used for attachment. After the position has been determined, a special light is used which improves and quickens the bonding/hardening process. A few final adjustments may be necessary and a couple further visits are required by the patient to ensure a normal response of the gums towards the veneer.
Above article from DentalHealthSite.com
Cosmetic, Sedation & Family Dentistry
Chandler Park Dental Care
1857 Tucker Way
Bowling Green, KY 42104
(270) 282-4777
Web: http://chandlerparkdentalcare.com/
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Gum Disease Treatment Bowling Green KY
Dental Health: Laser Use in Dentistry
Laser technology had entered the field of dentistry by 1994 itself. The lasers used for dental treatment are not the cold lasers, which are used for treating inflammation, headache, and pain, and also used in phototherapy. Though it is useful in treating many dental problems, laser is yet to be fully accepted by the American Dental Association. The treatment mode does have FDA’s acceptance, but not that of ADA, whose standards appear to be more exacting. ADA is still not fully convinced of the efficacy and safety of using lasers for dental treatment.
However, the technology is being used by some in treating the following problems:
-Tooth decay. Lasers are useful in removing the decayed portion from the tooth and readying the remaining enamel for the fresh filling. It is also useful in hardening the filling.
-Gum problems. For removing bacteria during a root canal treatment, and reshaping gums, lasers are useful.
-Biopsy. For removing a lesion, or any tissue from the mouth, lasers are used. Tissue removal sometimes becomes necessary for cancer testing. Lasers are also effective in the treatment of mouth ulcers.
-Teeth whitening. Some teeth whitening procedures nowadays employ lasers. Whitening is basically done by the application of a bleaching solution on the surface of the teeth, but the action of this peroxide solution is enhanced by employing lasers.
The Working of Lasers
All forms of laser appear as light and provide energy in the way in which it is required for different operations. When used for hardening the tooth filling, the laser binds together the filling and the tooth. During teeth whitening, it acts as a source of heat which increases the activity of the whitening agents. In surgical use, sometimes it functions as a vaporizer for annihilating tissues. At other times it functions as a cutting implement.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Lasers
Advantages
Lasers have the following advantages over the conventional dental drill:
It is often less painful and so reduces the need for administering anesthesia.
Some people are afraid of the conventional drill. They are more at ease with lasers.
When soft tissue is to be handled, lasers lessen swelling and bleeding.
During cavity treatment, lasers help to retain more of the tooth that is in tact.
Disadvantages
Lasers have the following drawbacks:
-When a tooth has already got a filling, it is not possible to use a laser there.
-The treatments for which lasers can be used are very limited. They can’t be maneuvered around cavities which are between two teeth or bigger cavities that need to be fitted with a crown. Nor can they be used where there are old fillings, or to remove silver fillings, or with damaged crowns. Laser technology is also not helpful in preparing teeth for receiving bridges.
-Even where a laser is utilized, the conventional drill is still required for bite adjustment, and for shaping and polishing the filling.
-Though laser could reduce the need for administration of anesthesia, it cannot eliminate it totally.
-Above all, the treatment does not come cheap. As against a conventional drill that may cost about $600, lasers may cost anything from $39000 to $45000.
Above article from: DentalHealthSite.com
Cosmetic, Sedation & Family Dentistry
Chandler Park Dental Care
1857 Tucker Way
Bowling Green, KY 42104
(270) 282-4777
Web: http://chandlerparkdentalcare.com/
Laser technology had entered the field of dentistry by 1994 itself. The lasers used for dental treatment are not the cold lasers, which are used for treating inflammation, headache, and pain, and also used in phototherapy. Though it is useful in treating many dental problems, laser is yet to be fully accepted by the American Dental Association. The treatment mode does have FDA’s acceptance, but not that of ADA, whose standards appear to be more exacting. ADA is still not fully convinced of the efficacy and safety of using lasers for dental treatment.
However, the technology is being used by some in treating the following problems:
-Tooth decay. Lasers are useful in removing the decayed portion from the tooth and readying the remaining enamel for the fresh filling. It is also useful in hardening the filling.
-Gum problems. For removing bacteria during a root canal treatment, and reshaping gums, lasers are useful.
-Biopsy. For removing a lesion, or any tissue from the mouth, lasers are used. Tissue removal sometimes becomes necessary for cancer testing. Lasers are also effective in the treatment of mouth ulcers.
-Teeth whitening. Some teeth whitening procedures nowadays employ lasers. Whitening is basically done by the application of a bleaching solution on the surface of the teeth, but the action of this peroxide solution is enhanced by employing lasers.
The Working of Lasers
All forms of laser appear as light and provide energy in the way in which it is required for different operations. When used for hardening the tooth filling, the laser binds together the filling and the tooth. During teeth whitening, it acts as a source of heat which increases the activity of the whitening agents. In surgical use, sometimes it functions as a vaporizer for annihilating tissues. At other times it functions as a cutting implement.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Lasers
Advantages
Lasers have the following advantages over the conventional dental drill:
It is often less painful and so reduces the need for administering anesthesia.
Some people are afraid of the conventional drill. They are more at ease with lasers.
When soft tissue is to be handled, lasers lessen swelling and bleeding.
During cavity treatment, lasers help to retain more of the tooth that is in tact.
Disadvantages
Lasers have the following drawbacks:
-When a tooth has already got a filling, it is not possible to use a laser there.
-The treatments for which lasers can be used are very limited. They can’t be maneuvered around cavities which are between two teeth or bigger cavities that need to be fitted with a crown. Nor can they be used where there are old fillings, or to remove silver fillings, or with damaged crowns. Laser technology is also not helpful in preparing teeth for receiving bridges.
-Even where a laser is utilized, the conventional drill is still required for bite adjustment, and for shaping and polishing the filling.
-Though laser could reduce the need for administration of anesthesia, it cannot eliminate it totally.
-Above all, the treatment does not come cheap. As against a conventional drill that may cost about $600, lasers may cost anything from $39000 to $45000.
Above article from: DentalHealthSite.com
Cosmetic, Sedation & Family Dentistry
Chandler Park Dental Care
1857 Tucker Way
Bowling Green, KY 42104
(270) 282-4777
Web: http://chandlerparkdentalcare.com/
Friday, March 18, 2011
Root Canal Treatment Bowling Green KY
Root Canal Treatment
A Root Canal Treatment (RCT) is carried out to repair and restore a tooth which has been badly decayed or infected and comes under a branch of dentistry called as Endodontics. The RCT actually focuses towards elimination of any infection to the Pulp Chamber of the tooth.
Root Canal Treatment is the last option to save the tooth failing which the tooth has to be extracted. After the RCT the tooth is basically dead as the entire pulp inside the tooth is removed and filled with an inert material.
When is RCT Required?
When tooth decay occurs and is detected, a normal filling procedure is carried out .However, if this tooth decay is not detected, it progresses to deeper layers and finally reaching the pulp chamber. When the tooth decay reaches the Pulp chamber, there is no alternative but to perform a Root Canal Treatment. This is because, the infection in the pulp chamber must be removed else it will progress further.
What is the Pulp Chamber?
The pulp chamber is the inner most layer of the tooth. It is present at the center of the tooth and consists of nerves, connective tissue and blood vessels. It is through these blood vessels the tooth receives nutrition. The cells in the pulp chamber are predominantly odontoblast cells (cells which form dentin) apart from other cells.
The pulp chamber is broad at the center and narrows to a very thin root canal which runs towards the root.
What if I don’t undergo an RCT?
It is essential for you to undergo the Root Canal Treatment to save your tooth failing which you might loose your tooth. The bacterial infection in your pulp can cause tooth abscess, bone loss around root tip and swelling which can spread to your face and neck.
Why has been my Pulp Infected?
You might be thinking why did the infection to the pulp occur in the first place. There can be quite a few causes for this such as:
-Tooth Decay which wasn’t detected and it spread to your pulp chamber.
-Large fillings
-Secondary Caries after tooth filling which lead to further decay progressing to your pulp.
-Physical trauma to the tooth by accidental blows.
-Spread of infection from periodontal pockets to the pulp
RCT Procedure
The Root Canal Treatment procedure should ideally be carried out by an endodontist. An Endodontist is a dentist who specializes in treating diseases and injuries of the pulp and tissues surrounding the root of the tooth. The RCT procedure can be completed in one or more visits.
Root Canal Treatment
An X-ray will be taken to examine your tooth and detect the presence of infection in the surrounding bone.
-The area surrounding the tooth is numbed using a local anesthetic which desensitizes the patient to any pain.
-The tooth to be worked upon is isolated by placing a rubber dam around it.
-The drill is employed to make an access hole to the pulp chamber and the pulp along with decayed tissue and debris is removed. The entire pulp chamber including the root canals is cleaned and disinfected.
-If the Root Canal Treatment is to be spread over multiple visits and some dentists prefer this, the empty pulp chamber is filled with disinfecting agent. This is covered by a temporary filling which is removed in subsequent visits and replaced by a permanent filling.
-The next step is filling of the pulp chamber with an inert material as the tooth is effectively dead. Gutta percha (along with Zinc Oxide eugenol) is generally used to fill the empty pulp chamber and root canals.
-A permanent filling (similar to the filling for treating cavities) is carried out on the tooth and a crown is placed over the tooth. A crown is required in most cases as the tooth becomes brittle due to absence of pulp.
-If your RCT procedure is spread over more than one appointment, minimize the chewing on the affected tooth till the procedure is entirely completed. This will prevent recontamination of the pulp chamber and will also reduce the risk of fracturing or damaging your tooth
Failed Root Canals
The RCT is a very effective procedure and enjoys a 90% success rate. However, complications can and do arise leading to the failure of root canal. A failed root simply means you have get Root Canal Treatment procedure done again or get the tooth extracted by the dentist.
Causes for Failure of Root Canals
Extra Canal: Some teeth may have an extra root canal which might not be apparent to the dentist. Hence, the failure to remove the pulp from this root canal causes the failure of the treatment
Some patients have irregularly shaped root canals and its not possible to remove the pulp from such root canals.
Now, you can probably guess the main reason for the failure of root canal treatment. Any infected pulp left behind leads to the failure of the root canal treatment.
Hypersensitivity to material: Some patients are allergic to the material used in the root canal treatment and hence leading to failure of the procedure.
Defective or inadequate restoration: If a restoration is inadequate or defective, bacteria are able to creep past the restoration causing reinfection.
Instrument left in the root canal: The files used to remove the pulp are quite brittle and often chip inside the root canal and cannot be retrieved. This may cause the failure of the treatment.
Above article from: dentalhealthsite.com
Cosmetic, Sedation & Family Dentistry
Chandler Park Dental Care
1857 Tucker Way
Bowling Green, KY 42104
(270) 282-4777
Web: http://chandlerparkdentalcare.com/
A Root Canal Treatment (RCT) is carried out to repair and restore a tooth which has been badly decayed or infected and comes under a branch of dentistry called as Endodontics. The RCT actually focuses towards elimination of any infection to the Pulp Chamber of the tooth.
Root Canal Treatment is the last option to save the tooth failing which the tooth has to be extracted. After the RCT the tooth is basically dead as the entire pulp inside the tooth is removed and filled with an inert material.
When is RCT Required?
When tooth decay occurs and is detected, a normal filling procedure is carried out .However, if this tooth decay is not detected, it progresses to deeper layers and finally reaching the pulp chamber. When the tooth decay reaches the Pulp chamber, there is no alternative but to perform a Root Canal Treatment. This is because, the infection in the pulp chamber must be removed else it will progress further.
What is the Pulp Chamber?
The pulp chamber is the inner most layer of the tooth. It is present at the center of the tooth and consists of nerves, connective tissue and blood vessels. It is through these blood vessels the tooth receives nutrition. The cells in the pulp chamber are predominantly odontoblast cells (cells which form dentin) apart from other cells.
The pulp chamber is broad at the center and narrows to a very thin root canal which runs towards the root.
What if I don’t undergo an RCT?
It is essential for you to undergo the Root Canal Treatment to save your tooth failing which you might loose your tooth. The bacterial infection in your pulp can cause tooth abscess, bone loss around root tip and swelling which can spread to your face and neck.
Why has been my Pulp Infected?
You might be thinking why did the infection to the pulp occur in the first place. There can be quite a few causes for this such as:
-Tooth Decay which wasn’t detected and it spread to your pulp chamber.
-Large fillings
-Secondary Caries after tooth filling which lead to further decay progressing to your pulp.
-Physical trauma to the tooth by accidental blows.
-Spread of infection from periodontal pockets to the pulp
RCT Procedure
The Root Canal Treatment procedure should ideally be carried out by an endodontist. An Endodontist is a dentist who specializes in treating diseases and injuries of the pulp and tissues surrounding the root of the tooth. The RCT procedure can be completed in one or more visits.
Root Canal Treatment
An X-ray will be taken to examine your tooth and detect the presence of infection in the surrounding bone.
-The area surrounding the tooth is numbed using a local anesthetic which desensitizes the patient to any pain.
-The tooth to be worked upon is isolated by placing a rubber dam around it.
-The drill is employed to make an access hole to the pulp chamber and the pulp along with decayed tissue and debris is removed. The entire pulp chamber including the root canals is cleaned and disinfected.
-If the Root Canal Treatment is to be spread over multiple visits and some dentists prefer this, the empty pulp chamber is filled with disinfecting agent. This is covered by a temporary filling which is removed in subsequent visits and replaced by a permanent filling.
-The next step is filling of the pulp chamber with an inert material as the tooth is effectively dead. Gutta percha (along with Zinc Oxide eugenol) is generally used to fill the empty pulp chamber and root canals.
-A permanent filling (similar to the filling for treating cavities) is carried out on the tooth and a crown is placed over the tooth. A crown is required in most cases as the tooth becomes brittle due to absence of pulp.
-If your RCT procedure is spread over more than one appointment, minimize the chewing on the affected tooth till the procedure is entirely completed. This will prevent recontamination of the pulp chamber and will also reduce the risk of fracturing or damaging your tooth
Failed Root Canals
The RCT is a very effective procedure and enjoys a 90% success rate. However, complications can and do arise leading to the failure of root canal. A failed root simply means you have get Root Canal Treatment procedure done again or get the tooth extracted by the dentist.
Causes for Failure of Root Canals
Extra Canal: Some teeth may have an extra root canal which might not be apparent to the dentist. Hence, the failure to remove the pulp from this root canal causes the failure of the treatment
Some patients have irregularly shaped root canals and its not possible to remove the pulp from such root canals.
Now, you can probably guess the main reason for the failure of root canal treatment. Any infected pulp left behind leads to the failure of the root canal treatment.
Hypersensitivity to material: Some patients are allergic to the material used in the root canal treatment and hence leading to failure of the procedure.
Defective or inadequate restoration: If a restoration is inadequate or defective, bacteria are able to creep past the restoration causing reinfection.
Instrument left in the root canal: The files used to remove the pulp are quite brittle and often chip inside the root canal and cannot be retrieved. This may cause the failure of the treatment.
Above article from: dentalhealthsite.com
Cosmetic, Sedation & Family Dentistry
Chandler Park Dental Care
1857 Tucker Way
Bowling Green, KY 42104
(270) 282-4777
Web: http://chandlerparkdentalcare.com/
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