Complex Root Canals Should Be Performed by an Expert

Complex root canals should be performed by an endodontist. In our office, we complete root canals on a regular basis, have the experience and training necessary to do so. As such, we highly recommend calling our office anytime that a patient needs routine.

Why are root canals necessary?

It is important to understand that a root canal is a procedure that has the ability to save an infected tooth and prevent tooth loss. When the interior of the tooth becomes infected, the dental pulp and roots can become infected as well. If the infection is not removed, it can spread to other areas of the mouth and even into the jaw bone. This is painful and also dangerous. It is absolutely necessary to visit a dentist as soon as possible so that the procedure can be performed, tooth loss prevented and the spread of infection stopped.

What is the reason for complex root canals?

The more the infection has spread, the more complex the procedure will be. Our goal is to remove the infected portion of the tooth, which could be significant, while still maintaining as much of the tooth structure as possible so that it can be restored after the fact. This is a hallmark of a root canal procedure. The ultimate goal is to preserve the tooth structure so that the tooth does not have to be pulled.

Unfortunately, if the infection has seriously spread, the procedure is more complicated and some dentists may be unable to perform it. Therefore, we suggest that people visit our office for a second opinion if a dentist has conducted an examination and determined that the teeth need to be extracted instead of performing a root canal. That may be true or it may be that the dentist lacks sufficient experience to perform a complex root canal.

Complex does not need to equal significant irritation or pain

Just because the procedure is complicated does not mean that a patient will suffer unnecessary pain or discomfort during it. To the contrary, we have the tools and methodology required to ensure that our patients remain entirely comfortable during the procedure. The area will be numb, sufficient pain medication used and care taken to ensure that the surrounding area is not unnecessarily irritated.

Once the procedure is complete, we will provide patients with pain medication that can be used to manage their discomfort at home. This along with using ice to reduce the swelling is typically all that is necessary for a patient to feel okay while recovering.

Restoring the tooth

One mistake people commonly make is visiting a dentist for a root canal but not following through with the dental restoration. Once the infected portion of the tooth has been removed, the tooth will not be whole. Some dentists will place a filling while others will use a temporary crown to restore the tooth. Both of these can work on a limited basis but are not a long-term solution.

To restore the tooth for the long-term, it will be necessary to do more. The recommended method for doing so is with a tooth-colored crown that will blend in with the surrounding teeth. They are durable, long-lasting and will do the job of protecting the tooth so that it cannot become reinfected. This is absolutely critical because if the tooth remains exposed in any way, the infection may return and the tooth could need a repeat root canal or an extraction.

Schedule a consultation

To explore your options for saving and restoring a tooth, call our office to schedule an appointment. We can conduct an examination, go over your options in further detail and discuss the process at length.