1-WHAT IS “ROOT CANAL”?

 Root canal treatment removes the nerve from the tooth’s root and replaces the nerve with a filling material. The tooth structure is later repaired by separate procedures-POST CORE AND CROWN-which are not included in the root canal fee.

 2-WHEN IS ROOT CANAL NECESSARY?

 Deep decay, deep fillings, crowns, or sometimes a blow to a tooth can damage the nerve. Very often the tooth may feel perfectly fine but an x-ray shows evidence of nerve involvement.

 3-WHAT DOES A ROOT CANAL TREATMENT FEEL LIKE?

 The dentist will give a local anesthetic and will test the tooth for numbness to be sure of your comfort during treatment.

 4-WHAT DOES THE DENTIST DO DURING ROOT CANAL?

 The tooth is isolated from saliva using a rubber sheet called a “dam”. An opening is made in the tooth and the canals are cleaned using fine instruments. X-rays are taken to position the rubber filling in the roots.

 5-HOW  LONG DOES ROOT CANAL TREATMENT TAKE?

 Generally one or two visits taking one or two hours depending on the complexity of the root system.

 6-HOW OFTEN IS ROOT CANAL SUCCESSFUL?

 According to most studies nine out of ten root canals are successful.  Infected teeth and teeth not properly repaired have a higher rate of complications.  Infected root canals may need to be redone or in some cases the tooth must be removed.

 7-WHAT ALTERNATIVES ARE THERE TO ROOT CANAL?

 If a nerve is damaged the only choices are to do root canal or remove the tooth. If a tooth is removed in most cases it must be replaced with either a bridge or an implant.

 8-WHAT WILL THIS TOOTH REQUIRE AFTER THE ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?

 Usually a post-core filling and a crown are needed to protect against breakage of the tooth. In some cases a gum surgery is needed if decay or old fillings extend below the gum line.

 9-HOW LONG CAN I WAIT BEFORE REPAIRING THE TOOTH AFTER ROOT CANAL?

 The tooth can break if pressure is applied before the crown is placed. It is best to repair the tooth 10-14 days after treatment.

 10-WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?

 Most root canals are completed without any problems whatsoever. Root canal does carry the risks of any dental procedure involving anesthetic. Other risks include infection, failed treatment, numbness of lip tongue or cheek that may rarely be permanent, injection reactions, pain, jaw joint problems, and tooth breakage or perforation. Root canal instruments are slender and can separate inside a root. In some cases it may safely remain there and in others an extra procedure may be needed to achieve a successful case. Patients with heart murmurs or at risk for endocarditis must take their antibiotics before treatment. Antibiotics may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Treatment through a crown may damage the porcelain.

 INSTRUCTIONS AFTER ROOT CANAL VISITS:

 *DO NOT EAT FOR ONE HOUR. DRINKING IS ALLOWED.

*PAIN IS TO BE EXPECTED THE FIRST FEW DAYS. TAKE ADVIL OR TYLENOL.

*CALL THE OFFICE IF YOU DEVELOP SWELLING OF FACE OR GUMS.

*CALL THE OFFICE IF IT HURTS TO CLOSE YOUR TEETH TOGETHER.

*CALL THE OFFICE IF YOU HAVE LOST YOUR FILLING.

 ****THIS IS ONLY A TEMPORARY FILLING****

****SEE YOUR DENTIST AFTER TEN DAYS TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR OF THIS TOOTH****

****DELAYING TOOTH REPAIR BEYOND THREE  WEEKS CAN LEAD TO TOOTH LOSS****

I have discussed the above with the dentist and give consent for treatment _____________________________________________________________Date______________