Easy Does It
Your teeth contain several layers: the outer protective enamel, a secondary
layer of dentin, and an inner soft 'pulp' tissue layer containing the
'life of the tooth': nerves, veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Each pulp
chamber branches off at the top, forming 'canals' that lead toward the
tooth root tip. These infamous ‘root canals’ serve to facilitate
the ongoing activities within the tooth.
Pressure, Pain, & Problem Pulp
Many things can go wrong in this vital pulp area. A deep cavity, traumatic
injury, or tooth fracture can open the way for bacterial entry and infection;
such bacteria can either damage or kill the pulp, stimulating increased
blood flow and cellular activity, creating tremendous pressure build-up
within the tooth itself. Hence the root canal treatment's terrible reputation:
unrelieved inner tooth pressure results in severe pain. What’s more,
a fast-spreading infection may set off a chain reaction of even more serious
and damaging events: surrounding bone degeneration, tooth loss, and increased
pain. Pain that begins as a mild discomfort during biting often escalates
quickly to being constant and acute if left untreated.
At this point, even emergency dental care can seldom save the tooth.
But extraction introduces a whole new chain of undesirable side effects:
shifting adjacent teeth can move into improper, crooked positions, disturbing
the bite. In turn, a bad bite puts uneven wear and tear on the entire
dentition, leading to ongoing dental problems down the road. All of which
simply underlines the importance of seeing Dr. Holland at the first sign
of pain or soreness in any of your teeth. If it’s early enough along
in the disease process, he can test the problem tooth and recommend root
canal therapy.
Cleaning, Filling & Welcome Relief
Although the words 'root canal' may sound ominous and frightening, that
doesn't have to be the case. Today’s analgesics and anesthetics,
together with technology such as the nickel-titanium rotary drill, render
the once dreaded ‘root canal’ quite routine. In fact, the entire
process often requires only one appointment. Typically, Dr. Holland will
numb the area, gently drill a gap down from the crown into infected pulp
chamber, clear out all diseased pulp, and reshape the inside area. Our
highly flexible nickel-titanium rotary drill follows the canals’
natural routes, requiring no carving but ensuring a thorough cleaning,
simplified healing process, and minimal post-procedural soreness. As needed,
we apply bacteria-fighting medication into the canals, then complete the
procedure one of three ways: seal the crown temporarily to guard against
recontamination, leave it open to drain, or immediately fill the canals
with an inert recontamination prevention material. We may need to reinforce
a weak tooth with a tiny, indiscernible metal post; sometimes we'll also
strengthen it and improve the tooth's appearance with a porcelain crown
While some patients experience post-procedural soreness or slight tissue
inflammation, these are controllable with over the counter analgesics.
And once your tooth is cleaned and permanently sealed in this way, you
can go back to eating normally and comfortably. Simply remember to maintain
meticulous home hygiene and visit our office regularly for cleanings and
check-ups.
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