Month: January 2022

A root canal is a treatment devised to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent further re-infection, and save the natural tooth. In other words, a root canal procedure entails removing the infected or inflamed pulp and finally cleaning and sealing the insides of the infected tooth. 

A root canal treatment does not annihilate the tooth but instead removes the nerves inside the tooth. Now that we have talked about the rudimentary aspects of a root canal let us answer whether nerves grow back after the procedure or not.

Do Nerves Grow Back After a Root Canal?
A root canal therapy removes the nerves and other organic matter from inside a tooth’s root canal system, which is then filled with a material known as gutta-percha and sealed. Thus, nerves do not come back after a root canal. 

At times, bacteria can enter the sealed system of the root canal therapy, and you might require retreatment. 

What is Root Canal Retreatment?
Although root canal procedures are incredibly safe, some therapies may fail, and the area around the treated tooth may become infected. This is when a root canal retreatment comes into the picture. 

The procedure involves numbing the tooth so that you will not feel any discomfort. After that, the dentist removes the crown and reopens the tooth. The canal filling is removed, and another infection is treated. The dentist thoroughly examines the root canals to ensure that all vulnerable areas are attended to. After everything looks good, the tooth is disinfected, and the dentist puts a filling inside the canal again. Lastly, the endodontist places a temporary cover over the root canal, replaced with a crown after a few days. 

Thus, a re-infection after root canal therapy does not occur due to the redoing of nerves. It can result from other factors associated with the root canal procedure. 

Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!

This is an extremely common dental intervention that aids in the saving of a tooth from extraction, which is otherwise irreversibly damaged or infected. While in most cases root canals are successful, at times they do fail. Therefore, knowledge of the failure rate of root canals and factors contributing to success or failure is important for both patients and dental professionals. This blog post will outline stats, reasons for failure, and ways to improve the success rate related to root canal treatments.

Understanding Root Canal Treatment

Before discussing the rates of failure, let’s consider exactly what a root canal treatment does. A dentist or an endodontist removes the pulp, infected or damaged, from inside the tooth in this procedure. This is followed by cleaning and shaping the root canals and then filling and sealing them. This aims to eradicate any infection and save the natural tooth structure.

Success Rates of Root Canal Treatments

While not entirely safe, root canal treatments have had some relative success. Several studies and numerous clinical observations show the success rate for initial root canal treatments to be between 85% and 97%. In other words, in the vast majority of cases, root canal treatments do cure dental problems and help patients retain natural teeth for many years.

However, variables that set the results include the case complexity, experience of practitioner, and general oral health of the patient. Success rates are also higher for first-time treatments compared to retreating teeth that have gone through a root canal treatment.

Failure Rates and Their Implications

While the success rates for root canals are outstanding, the other side of the coin should not be ignored – the failure rate. From the success rates given above, it is possible to deduce that the failure rate for root canals will fall between 3% and 15%. That is to say that for every 100 procedures of root canals performed, about 3 through 15 do not end up as desired.

It should be noted that “failure” in the context of root canal treatment does not actually indicate a disaster or immediate problems. In many instances, visible symptoms of a failed root canal appear months to years after the treatment. However, if a root canal has failed, there is a possibility of persistent or recurrent infection and pain, which may require additional dental procedures.

Common Reasons for Root Canal Failure

There are many factors that may cause failure in root canal treatment. To know the reasons will help the dentist and the patient to avoid these pitfalls and take measures to lessen the chances of such failure. Some of the common causes are as follows:

1. Missed canals: Since teeth have complex structures, some teeth have multiple canals. In case the dentist misses any canal, which later turns out to be infected, it will impede healing; hence, treatment will not be successful.

2. Improper cleaning and shaping: The root canals should be cleaned and shaped as such so that all the infected tissue may be removed, rendering the place quite unfavorable for bacterial survival. Anything short of absolute cleaning leads to residual bacteria that reseed and cause reinfection.

3. Deficient restoration: Proper restoration is required because a tooth is a lot more fragile after a root canal treatment. If the restoration is deemed insufficient, it may contribute to easy access of bacteria to the other parts again, resulting in recontamination and failure.

4. Cracks or fractures: If cracks in the tooth structure are not detected, they may allow entry of bacteria into the tooth and cause reinfection after the root canal is reported to be successful.

5. Resistant bacteria: Sometimes, some bacteria are resistant to otherwise standard modes of treatment and continue causing infection.

6. Systemic factors: Patients with immune-compromised conditions, or with certain systemic diseases, are more likely to have root canal failure because healing is impaired and infection will be more likely to thrive.

Factors That Increase Success and Decrease Failure

Since a root canal treatment involves so many variables, it can never be 100% predictable. However, here are some factors that improve the chances of success and decrease the likelihood of failure:

1. Advanced diagnostic imaging: The availability of improved technologies, such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), enhances the visualization of the root structure and will allow for the recognition of possible complications before the initiation of treatment.

2. Microscope-assisted treatments: Implementation of dental operating microscopes in endodontic therapy enhances visibility—that is, precision—for much more efficient cleaning and treatment of complex canal systems.

3. Proper case selection: Each case is to be assessed regarding the real appropriateness of the root canal and whether some other approaches may be more suitable.

4. Continuing education and training: Dental professionals should keep abreast of the most recent techniques and technologies concerning the practice of endodontics to provide the best possible care.

5. Patient education and follow-up care: Patients should be instructed on the basics of oral hygiene and be scheduled for regular checkups to prevent or detect any further complications at an early stage.

Long-term Follow-up

It is worth noting that the success or failure of a root canal treatment is not always clearly indicated. Some studies have indicated the rates of success to be fairly high in the short term (1-5 years) and drop somewhat in the long term (10+ years). This goes on to indicate the need for ongoing dental care and regular check-ups many years after undergoing a root canal procedure.

So even if the rates for failure in treatments involving root canals are very low, from 3% to 15%, the patient and the professional should never take the complications lightly. From appreciating the factors that contribute to the failure of root canal procedures and implementing some key strategies for success, we should continuously seek further ways to improve this important dental procedure.

It is, therefore, very important that for anyone predisposed to undergo or have undergone root canal treatment, an experienced dental professional should provide the service, post-treatment care guidance should be taken, and regular check-ups be performed. With proper care and attention, the vast majority of root canal treatments can offer long-lasting relief and help preserve natural teeth for years to come.

One would feel inclined to delay seeking medical attention because of fear, cost, or even inconvenience. However, procrastination can have serious complications when it comes to a tooth abscess. Let us understand the risks of leaving a tooth abscess and why it requires timely medical attention.

Understanding Tooth Abscess

Before considering the risks of an untreated abscess, one must know exactly what an abscess is and how it is formed. A tooth abscess is a painful infection that begins with bacteria that invade the dental pulp. A dental pulp is a soft tissue inside your tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. An abscess is usually formed from the following issues with the tooth:

• Advanced Tooth Decay
• Fracture or Chip in the tooth
• Gum Disease
• Improperly done root canal

Bacteria inside the tooth multiply, and then the inflammation/swelling forms. Pus develops and creates pressure, causing pain. Some more common symptoms include –

• Serious, persistent toothache
• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods
• Pain when chewing or biting
• Swollen face or cheek
• Tender, swollen lymph nodes under the jaw
• Fever

The Dangers of Not Getting Treatment

Although very tempting, the wait-and-see approach with an abscess has life-and-death risks associated. A tooth with an abscess will not get better without professional assistance. It will only worsen, and it may even cause potentially life-threatening complications.

Short-term Complications: days to weeks

• As the infection keeps on expanding, it will result in more severe pain that restricts eating, sleeping, or doing daily activities.
• The infection can spread to adjoining teeth, gums, and even facial bones, causing more diffuse damage.
• Symptoms of an abscess may be generalized and non-localizing, and if so, include difficulty swallowing or breathing.
• There is a remote possibility of the infection entering the blood flow and leading to a life-threatening condition called sepsis.

Long-term Complications: Weeks to Months

1. Absorption of bone: Due to the infection, the bone in the vicinity deteriorates. It is more probably to lead to the loss of the tooth and finally to a change in facial appearance.

2. Sinusitis: Abscess related to the upper teeth can move upwards and result in an infection of the sinuses, leading to sinusitis.

3. Brain abscess: This can result in a life-threatening condition if there are infections in the brain.

4. Systemic Health Issues: Chronic dental infections definitely relate to higher risks for cardiovascular disease, problems with diabetes, and other systemic diseases as well.

Treatment Options

The good news is that tooth abscesses can be treated. This treatment will be based on how bad the infection is and the location of the abscess. Treatment options include :

1. Abscess Drainage: The dentist will excise a small part of the abscess to drain out the pus from the infected tooth.

2. Root Canal Treatment: This is done to remove the infected pulp and thus save the remainder of the tooth structure from destruction.

3. Tooth Extraction: In severe cases, due to the inability to save the tooth, it may need extraction.

4. Antibiotics: Some might get prescribed to fight a more generalized infection, especially when it has already spread from the abscess site.

Preventing Tooth Abscesses

While fast treatment is imperative for already present abscesses, prevention is always the best course. You can reduce the possibility of a tooth abscess by the following measures:

• Practice good oral hygiene (brush twice a day and floss)
• Use fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouthwash
• Avoiding sugary foods/drinks
• Quit smoking
• Having regular check-ups and cleanings from your dentist

In the event of tooth abscesses, minutes matter. Understandably, nobody wants to visit a dentist, but the danger of an untreated abscess far outweighs any transient discomfort or inconvenience to its treatment. If left untreated, an abscess can cause severe pain, diffuse infection, and even life-threatening complications.

If you think you might have an abscessed tooth, don’t wait. Call your dentist immediately to get an assessment. Remember, the sooner you treat your condition, the better it is for not only curing the immediate problem but also averting other serious health issues shortly. Your oral health is part of your general health, and the attention given to quick action on dental problems is an investment in health and quality of life.

Cases of tooth loss are prevalent today as it tends to become more common after middle age. Moreover, by the age of 50, an average adult has lost at least 12 permanent teeth, according to expert’s recent studies. In fact, some of the common causes of tooth loss include injury, gum disease, and tooth decay. Replacing a pulled-out tooth is a vital part of restoring your confidence in your smile and also the key to maintaining good dental health along with a well-functioning bite.

Importance of Replacing a Missing Tooth 
All your teeth serve a purpose, and they have a more significant role than what you possibly think. Apart from serving a functional objective, which is aiding in proper chewing and word pronunciation, your teeth also highly influence your appearance. It’s challenging to show off your beautiful smile when your teeth are missing. 

Or maybe you lost a few posterior teeth, and you’re wondering, ‘Nobody even knows my teeth are pulled out, so it won’t affect my smile or my looks.’ But think again. Your remaining teeth and jaw bone can undergo severe consequences if you replace your pulled-out tooth, leaving you with more complications than you expected.

Still, if you decide to leave a space between your teeth, you’d put yourself at high risk of the following: your other teeth will start to move and shift with time. It will result in bite alignment problems, uneven wear from chewing, and TMJ issues. 

Get Your Teeth Replaced By a Trusted Dentist  
All in all, if you get any missing tooth, ensure to get it thoroughly checked by your trusted dentist as quickly as possible. They will discuss both surgical and non-surgical tooth replacement options with you to help you determine the suitable treatment, so you can be proud to smile in front of others. 

Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!

A tooth implant is a prosthetic appliance used to fix anomalies caused by severe dental decay, periodontal diseases, facial injuries, and so forth. Dental implants are one of the most phenomenal innovations of modern dentistry as they have helped millions of people smile, eat, and speak better. The entire process of opting for a dental plant may take several months and is accompanied by several appointments, diagnostic tests, and surgeries.

Normalcy After Getting an Implant: The Time Frame
According to experts, you can continue with your complete and regular diet after one week of dental implant surgery. When it comes to solid foods, you should wait for two weeks before consuming any hard foods. It would help if you also abstained from eating sticky or too spicy foods in the first few weeks after the surgery. After four to five days of dental implant surgery, you can seamlessly eat foods like mashed potatoes, pasta, cheese, soft bread, and likewise for quick recovery. It is noteworthy that your mouth might feel uncomfortable after the surgery and that feeling might sustain for a week or two. 

In the first 24 hours after the dental implant operation, your teeth and jaw are in an intensely fragile situation, and you should consume liquids and very soft foods at this time. Protein shakes, broths, soups, smoothies, juices, and shakes are the ideal dietary options for the initial 24 hours after a dental implant operation. Likewise, you should also avoid hot and cold foods and beverages in the 24-48 hour period after the procedure. 

We can safely assert that attaining normal after getting dental implants is easy and happens within a short time frame. The only thing to consider is vigilance and care, and avoiding harmful foods. 

Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!