Microscope Enhanced Root Canal Therapy
Root canal treatment (RCT) involves manipulation and removal of this fine piece of tissue. So if done with the naked eye there is a big chance that some parts of the pulp will be left behind during removal. These residual pulp tissues can cause pain and problems to the patient in the future.
When the same procedure is done with a microscope, the chances of leaving behind any tissue or canal is far lesser because the dentist can view the tooth in magnifications of up to 25 times that seen with the naked eye (25x). Your tooth is made up of three primary layers the outer hard white enamel, the middle yellow dentine and the innermost nerve called the pulp. Infection to the pulp can be caused by deep decay, trauma, cracks/tooth fracture, old amalgam fillings and even repeated dental procedures. This can result in visible injury or swelling of the tooth, pain, sensitivity to water or temperature, gum pain, food lodgement and sometimes even no symptoms at all. Once a diagnosis has been made and a root canal treatment is advised- our root canal specialist (endodontist) will first completely numb the tooth to be treated. The decay is removed using specialized tools and the tooth is completely cleaned using a combination of aseptic techniques and irrigating solutions under rubber dam (for isolation). The tooth is then filled with a biocompatible material and is then ready to receive a crown. The entire process is performed under a microscope since microscope and sealed three dimensionally.
WILL ROOT CANAL TREATMENT HURT?
No Root canal treatment does not cause pain, it relieves it. People are often worried about the prospects of pain during root canal therapy and the key to a painless procedure is definitive local anesthesia
HOW LONG WILL THE PROCEDURE TAKE?
Although each tooth is unique and the time required to complete the treatment is dependent on the level of decay in the tooth, you should plan on spending about an hour and a half at our office during your root canal treatment appointment. Most microscope root canal procedures are completed in one sitting, unless there is severe infection, procedural difficulties or in cases of re-root canal treatments.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A MICROSCOPE ROOT CANAL PROCEDURE?
When your root canal therapy has been completed, you will experience some discomfort for 2-3 days following the procedure- this is normal and is just the healing process of the tooth. This discomfort can be minimized with painkillers which will give you immediate relief. The next step will be shaping the tooth and taking an impression or scan to receive a crown. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.
