3 Possible Side Effects of Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is a delicate dental procedure. It is for this reason that you should only allow a certified endodontist to carry out this procedure on either you or your loved ones. This is because an endodontist is bound to have a greater understanding of root canal complications thanks to their advanced training. The article below discusses various possible side effects of root canal treatment that you should be aware of.

Breakage or Separation of Dental Equipment

There are a number of different types of equipment used during root canal therapy. For example, the equipment used in the cleaning of canals is quite thin. They are designed with great strength but this doesn't mean that they cannot break.

When dental equipment breaks during root canal treatment, the position of the broken piece can either be removed safely, or it may have to be left inside. If left inside, the broken piece of equipment exposes you to the risk of future infection.

It is important to point out that breakage or separation of instruments should not be taken negligence on the part of the endodonstist as this can happen even to the most experienced practitioners.

Perforation

Perforation refers to the creation of a hole or opening on the floor of the root or on its side. Perforation often occurs when the parts of the tooth are being cleaned as part of the root canal treatment.

Perforation is dangerous because the created hole makes it very easy for the affected tooth to be re-infected. It can also lead to the re-infection of bones and gums supporting the tooth.

The good news is that the harmful effects of perforation can easily be countered via other dental procedures depending on the degree of perforation.

Root Fracture

Fracturing of the root is perhaps the most sever possible side effect of root canal therapy. Once the root is fractured, the affected tooth becomes useless.

Root fracture does not only occur after root canal therapy. The fracture may be in existence before you go for root canal treatment. It can also develop during the treatment, or after completion of the treatment.

In order to reduce the chances of root fracture, it is recommended that you use crowns to protect your teeth upon completion of the root canal treatment. You should especially seek to protect your molars and pre-molars as these are the most commonly affected.

For more information on other possible side effects of root canal therapy, contact local endodontists such as Inner West Endodontics.

  


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