Author: Dr. R L
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Root Canal Treatment
When facing tough tooth problems like deep decay, injuries, or dental infections problems in Manila, Philippines, think about getting Root Canal Therapy or Endodontic Treatment at Smile More Dental Clinic.
Our budget-friendly Root Canal Therapy prices guarantee top-notch care, rescuing teeth without pain or hassle. Depend on our skilled Endodontists and dentists to mend your dental health.
Rely on our skilled oral care experts to effectively address your tooth nerve-removal process, employing innovative technology like detailed dental x-rays, teeth imaging, and advanced rotary RCT machines to simplify the tooth preservation procedure.
Root Canal Treatment
At Smile More Dental Clinic, you’ll find a devoted Endodontics-trained specialist who excels in rescuing deteriorating and infected teeth with advanced Root Canal Therapy or Tooth Pulp Therapy. Discover the wonder of “Endodontic intervention,” the top-notch “tooth-saving procedure” that guards your smile against harm. When you face tooth decay, recurring decay, compromised restorations, or tooth trauma, rely on us as your dedicated protectors of oral health.
Recognizing the need for “dental pulp treatment” involves paying attention to signs like pain when chewing, tenderness, swelling, gum discoloration, darkening, bad breath, or boils around the affected tooth. A professional dental evaluation can assess the suitability of this treatment, even if you’re not currently experiencing any discomfort.
Come and see us today to discover the relief you deserve. Our practice specializes in providing reasonably-priced root canal therapy, an effective method for repairing infected teeth by removing diseased pulp tissues from the tooth’s core. This procedure helps prevent systemic infections caused by tooth decay, injury, or infection. It restores your teeth to their original function.
After meticulously cleaning and reshaping the tooth’s root canals, we secure your teeth with either a dental filling (short-term solution) or a dental crown (long-term solution).
At Smile More, we take pride in helping many people get their smiles back with our successful Root Canal Treatments. It all starts with us looking closely at your tooth to see if this treatment is the right fit. We check if it’s an abscess, granuloma, or cyst. We also assess the size of the issue and its location. Acting early is essential, so we encourage you to visit us even before you feel pain or notice problems. This prompt action can make a big difference in keeping your teeth healthy. We thoroughly check everything, including tricky parts like blocked canals or curved roots. In some instances, if a tooth is damaged or you have gum issues, Root Canal Treatment might not be an option, and we might have to remove the tooth. But your oral health is always our top priority.
We’re here to help you when you’re dealing with that nagging, persistent toothache. It’s very important to contact us so we can perform a thorough examination and see if the infection has reached your tooth’s nerve or if there’s an abscess hiding around the root’s tip. Our cutting-edge x-ray technology lets us precisely determine your tooth’s number of root canals. Typically, front teeth have one root, premolars may have one or two, and molars often boast three (or even more in some cases). These state-of-the-art x-rays also provide a clear view of the extent of dental decay impacting your tooth. Suppose the decay has penetrated the inner nerve area. In that case, there’s a possibility that harmful bacteria have made their way into the root canal system. You can fully trust us to deliver expert care and practical solutions to ease discomfort and safeguard your oral well-being.
There are instances when a stubborn tooth infection, particularly those involving dental granulomas and cysts, resists the standard root canal treatment. In such cases, our specialized ‘apicoectomy’ procedure becomes the focal point of our attention. We conduct a comprehensive evaluation to ensure the best approach. We carefully assess the practicality of preserving the tooth versus the apprehension of potential future reinfection (flare-up). This decision is of utmost significance, involving the choice between tooth preservation and complete removal, along with the lingering infection. You can trust us to assist you in making the most beneficial decision for your dental wellness.
Suppose you’ve ever come across words that seem to connect with Root Canal Treatment, such as Pulpotomy, Pulp Capping, Dental Pulp Treatment, or if you’re urgently searching for the “Root Canal Procedure in the Philippines” or an “Endodontist in Manila,” don’t hesitate to make your way to Smile More Dental Clinic. We’ll make an effort to clarify the process for you, ensuring you have a better understanding. Most importantly, we’ll provide you with a clear explanation of the costs associated with your Root Canal Therapy. Keep in mind that a front tooth root canal may appear more cost-effective than a back tooth root canal, as the former typically has only one root and is easier to manage.
How Do We Perform Root Canal Treatment?
At Smile More Dental Clinic in Ermita, Manila, this is how we perform Root Canal Treatment.
- We will take an X-ray for the initial guide. We will excavate the decay and clean the tooth. Suppose there are damaged areas or broken tooth walls. In that case, we may need to put a build-up material or a dental filling to reconstruct the tooth for better instrumentation initially.
- We put the tooth to numb using local anesthesia, which helps ease the discomfort involved in doing the process.
- We make an “access preparation” or a hole, usually at the tooth crown’s inner surface (if treating a front tooth), to initiate root canal access without placing the entry hole on the tooth in an outward view. We prepare the access hole on the chewing surface in premolars and molars on the back teeth.
- After establishing the “access prep” entry point, we will carefully explore the root canal’s opening with a hand instrument to confirm the right passage to the inner tooth canal. We then introduce an ultra-fine tool to sense the tooth chamber’s interior precisely. This tactile approach guides us before we proceed to “filing” or shaping the Root Canal (“Instrumentation”). Our advanced RCT rotary machines have revolutionized Root Canal procedures, making them faster and more predictable.
- Using a cleansing and disinfecting solution, we flush the dental root canal to wash away infected tissues and debris (“Irrigation”).
- With the help of a device called “Apex Locator,” we will have an accurate or exacting measure of the tooth’s root tip (working length) to ensure that we won’t go beyond it.
- Once we establish the working distance or gauge, we will continue to shave the inner canal, often aided with a special water-soluble loosening solution. This lubricant removes the blockage and permits efficient instrumentation. While we do this, expect some copious “Irrigation” (flushing of debris).
- We will dry the canal with a tiny absorbable material (paper point) before placing a cotton pellet and a temporary filling material on the access prep. We can dismiss the patient until the subsequent visits. We require that you come back for the completion of the Root Canal Treatment.
- We will resume with irrigation and instrumentation on your return visit. When we remove the temporary filling on the orifice and check that the canal is wet or there is dripping fluid, we will continue the cleaning (canal instrumentation) and the flushing (irrigation). We will temporarily cover the access prep. and schedule your follow-through visits. You must return and not miss your appointments because this step will ensure the disinfection process of the root canal.
- When you come back, and we check that the root canal is dry (no fluid or secretion by paper point indicator), then we can plug the inside canal with a rubber-like material called “gutta-percha.” This gutta-percha, an inert substance for Root Canal filling, will be bound together with cement (bio-compatible or bio-ceramic types of cement) and cut to remove the excess above the tooth opening (or access prep. -> see number #3 step above)
- The access prep. is filled with a Permanent Filling, and then a final restoration in the form of a Dental Crown is done later.
When undergoing Root Canal Therapy or Endodontic Treatment, following through with the required visits is essential to complete the entire process. Remembering your return appointments is crucial for the treatment’s success, even if the discomfort has already disappeared. Leaving the treatment incomplete could lead to potential contamination or infection.
The cost of Root Canal Service at our clinic depends on factors like the number of root canals, the complexity of the procedure, and the extent of infection seen on the x-ray. If you call us to inquire about the price, we suggest visiting us for a thorough assessment of your tooth problem rather than providing a guess. We always want to give our patients an accurate understanding of their tooth issues, especially when it calls for a root canal remedy.
Even though Root Canal Treatment has a success rate of approximately 90 to 95 percent, it is crucial to safeguard the treated tooth with a dental crown for long-term protection. After being treated, the tooth no longer has a nerve and blood supply, making it vulnerable to fractures if not properly restored.
Despite our best efforts to make Root Canal Treatment successful, there are times when flare-ups can happen. Flare-ups may include reinfection or increased bacterial activity in the treated area, which can occur months or even years after the initial treatment. If this happens, we recommend Re-Treatment or Apicoectomy, a procedure performed under Oral Surgery, to address the issue.
Dowel Post & Core
If the tooth’s crown is completely broken, you may require a Root Canal-associated treatment. This treatment becomes necessary when the tooth lacks sufficient material to support a dental crown or bridge. It involves using a screw-type material called a dowel post, securely attached inside the root canal portion using a thin adhesive. A core build-up cement material is applied to the dowel post to support the lost tooth crown. Together, this combination is known as “Dowel Post & Core.”
In some cases, we can customize them by taking an impression and having them made in a dental laboratory. However, we mostly use pre-fabricated types as they come in different sizes to fit various root canal diameters. The purpose of inserting this post is to enhance the tooth’s strength.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (for Root Canal Treatment):
How Much Does Root Canal Procedure Usually Cost?
It would be right to see the dentist have a look at the tooth requiring Root Canal. It would be best to discuss if Root Canal is the appropriate solution to the unsettling dental problem. In our clinic, we follow guidelines on how we charge the procedure, and it is always a requirement to take an X-ray. Through that, we would be able to recognize your problem tooth’s current situation and estimate the time required to have your case completed. As for any treatment, the cost is proportional to how simple or complicated the root canal case will present.
Does Insurance Coverage Include Root Canal Procedure in their list?
Usually, dental insurance does not include the cost of Root Canal Treatment. Patients typically shoulder the entire cost of the procedure. Though, few local and international insurances partly cover the cost of this treatment. It would be better to inquire through your insurance company to ascertain if they will pay for this procedure.
What will I do if I Can Not Afford the Cost of Root Canal Treatment?
Your health must be first on your priority list, and having an infected tooth can undoubtedly impact your wellness. The procedure is usually done in multiple visits, and we can allow installment payment for this procedure. Through that, we can start treating your infected tooth. By spreading the cost through consecutive sessions, you can indeed pay for the process. If you can not afford the procedure, we can provide you alternate options during your consultation.
I heard that Root Canals are Painful? Is it so?
Root Canal is the suited solution when the tooth’s nerve is in line with the cavity or is already encroached by the decay process. Not doing anything to address this solution could be much painful and bothersome. Removing the infected dental nerve is done under local anesthesia, enough to make the treatment comfortable. We have seen patients who, at first, were scared about the procedure and leave us pleased that they were wrong about their expectations.
Can you let me know the Disadvantages of the Root Canal Procedure?
While removing the infected nerve and fine blood vessels inside the tooth’s root canal can relieve irritation and infection. The absence of blood circulation within the tooth can result in the weakening of the tooth structure itself. Also, most teeth treated with Root Canal are usually severely affected and wreaked. That is why we always require patients undergoing this procedure to have the treated tooth capped with dental crowns. A “dowel post” when integrated within the tooth, plus the dental crown, can provide the affected tooth with improved durability and proper functioning.
Why Can I Not Have a Dental Filling Instead of Root Canal when my tooth hurts or is infected?
When the problem or infection has gotten inside the dental nerve, a dental filling can trap the infection inside and result in more disturbing pain and swelling. Before placing a dental filling, it would be suited to finish the Root Canal Treatment first.
How Much Does Root Canal Procedure Usually Cost?
It would be right to see the dentist have a look at the tooth requiring Root Canal. It would be best to discuss if Root Canal is the appropriate solution to the unsettling dental problem. In our clinic, we follow guidelines on how we charge the procedure, and it is always a requirement to take an X-ray. Through that, we would be able to recognize your problem tooth’s current situation and estimate the time required to have your case completed. As for any treatment, the cost is proportional to how simple or complicated the root canal case will present.
Does Insurance Coverage Include Root Canal Procedure in their list?
Usually, dental insurance does not include the cost of Root Canal Treatment. Patients typically shoulder the entire cost of the procedure. Though, few local and international insurances partly cover the cost of this treatment. It would be better to inquire through your insurance company to ascertain if they will pay for this procedure.
What will I do if I Can Not Afford the Cost of Root Canal Treatment?
Your health must be first on your priority list, and having an infected tooth can undoubtedly impact your wellness. The procedure is usually done in multiple visits, and we can allow installment payment for this procedure. Through that, we can start treating your infected tooth. By spreading the cost through consecutive sessions, you can indeed pay for the process. If you can not afford the procedure, we can provide you alternate options during your consultation.
I heard that Root Canals are Painful? Is it so?
Root Canal is the suited solution when the tooth’s nerve is in line with the cavity or is already encroached by the decay process. Not doing anything to address this solution could be much painful and bothersome. Removing the infected dental nerve is done under local anesthesia, enough to make the treatment comfortable. We have seen patients who, at first, were scared about the procedure and leave us pleased that they were wrong about their expectations.
Can you let me know the Disadvantages of the Root Canal Procedure?
While removing the infected nerve and fine blood vessels inside the tooth’s root canal can relieve irritation and infection. The absence of blood circulation within the tooth can result in the weakening of the tooth structure itself. Also, most teeth treated with Root Canal are usually severely affected and wreaked. That is why we always require patients undergoing this procedure to have the treated tooth capped with dental crowns. A “dowel post” when integrated within the tooth, plus the dental crown, can provide the affected tooth with improved durability and proper functioning.
Why Can I Not Have a Dental Filling Instead of Root Canal when my tooth hurts or is infected?
When the problem or infection has gotten inside the dental nerve, a dental filling can trap the infection inside and result in more disturbing pain and swelling. Before placing a dental filling, it would be suited to finish the Root Canal Treatment first.
Take Control of Your Oral Health Today
At Smile More Dental Clinic, we focus on delivering outstanding care designed to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re booking your first checkup, considering treatment options, or maintaining your dental health, our team is ready to assist you.
Come see us in Ermita, Manila, and take the first step toward a brighter, healthier smile.
Book your dental checkup and begin your path to excellent oral health.
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GUM DISEASE TREATMENT
GUM DISEASE TREATMENT (PERIODONTAL TREATMENT)
Healthy Gum and Diseased Gum
Harmful bacteria in your mouth can cause gum disease, making your gums bleed, swell, and irritated. Gum disease or Periodontal Disease affects most adults or even younger ones.
During the early phase, we can treat them with regular dental cleanings and with practical oral care like brushing and flossing. But left untreated, this gum problem can worsen, leading to more serious oral health problems.
If ignored, gum disease can lead to loose teeth and diminished alveolar (jaw) bone, which is harder to treat. It’s therefore essential to know the signs of gum disease, so you can get treatment without delay if they happen. As with most dental ailments, we can easily prevent gum disease. However, management can be burdensome if they reach the worst state.
TWO STAGES OF GUM DISEASE
Gum disease can be recognized through two stages.
“Gingivitis,” which is an early-stage gum disease, is when the gums or gingiva become inflamed.
“Periodontitis,” the advanced stage, destroys the deeper connective tissues that support the teeth — including the alveolar (jaw) bone and the periodontal ligaments.
Gum disease may not be noticeable in the beginning, but the symptoms will become more evident as the disease progresses. Bleeding gums and pus are pretty clear signs.
Common symptoms include receding and inflamed gums, persistent bad breath, toothache, and pain in the teeth when biting or chewing.
The Stages of Gum Disease
Below are the warning signs for Gingivitis and Periodontitis:
Symptoms of Gingivitis
Early stages of gum disease include redness, tenderness, and swelling of the gums. You may also see traces of blood when you floss or brush your teeth. Eating hard or crunchy foods may be uncomfortable if they come in contact with your sore gums. People with gingivitis often have bad breath, even after brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash.
Symptoms of Periodontitis
As gum disease gets worse, gaps (gum pockets) form between gums and teeth. The teeth may start to feel detached from their sockets or loose. Gum bleeding that’s occasional at first becomes more and more frequent. You might taste blood even when you’re not brushing or touching your gums. Also, the teeth may look longer than before, because the gums shrink back and the roots of the teeth become exposed. You’ll also be sensitive to cold, heat, and pressure because the tooth root is exposed.
Do you have any symptoms of gum disease?
Call our clinic to save your teeth and gums! Call us at:
You can schedule an appointment with us. Just give us a call beforehand so our dentist or periodontist can help you out.
Bacteria and Gum Disease Connection
There are way more bacteria in the mouth than in other parts of the body. Small crevices in the gums, cheeks, tongue and other mouth areas trap bacteria and gum disease-causing germs. Too much of bad bacteria can cause gum disease.
Easy Ways to Prevent Gum Disease
There are easy ways to stop gum disease. Regular and correct brushing and flossing can rid your teeth and gums of these bacteria. But if you don’t brush and floss regularly, the bacteria will grow and cause gum disease. These bacteria cause periodontal disease when they stay in your teeth and gums, which happens when plaque and dental calculus (tartar) harden.
Who is at risk of gum disease?
Having any of these increases your likelihood of getting gum disease:
- Cigarette Smoking
- Have diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, or disorders of the immune system like HIV and AIDS
- Do not brush your teeth properly or floss regularly
- Have crooked teeth, loose fillings, or poor-fitting dental appliances like bridges
- Have a close family member who has had gum disease or lost teeth early
Gum Disease: The Frequently Ignored Disease in the Mouth
Gum disease is an often ignored illness due to a lack of understanding of its effects. People with this disease usually don’t realize they have it until it gets bad and becomes hard to manage. Gum disorders can happen to anyone, regardless of their sex or age. Some people are more likely to get gum disease because of certain factors. Here’s why they happen:
- Cigarette Smoking –> causes dry mouth, which allows bacteria to flourish.
- Medications (such as steroids, pain relievers, and antidepressants) –> lead to
reduced saliva production, promoting bacterial growth. - Advancing Age –> dry mouth becomes more common with age. As we mature,
the Mouth becomes more acidic, we produce less saliva, and we are more likely
to neglect oral hygiene. - Hormonal Fluctuations –> as is evident in pregnant women and during post-
menopausal stage. - Diabetes –> because the body’s decreased resistance to infections can
lead to gum disease becoming prevalent.
The Connection Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease
When you observe signs of gum disease, it is crucial to get dental help right away. If you don’t treat gum disease, you could lose your teeth. Studies show linking gum disease and heart disease. The bacteria that cause gum disease can damage the heart and blood vessels if they get into the bloodstream.
Gum Disease and Linked Illnesses – The Health Implications:
In their early stages, gum infections can lead to discomforting symptoms. If not remedied, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, making it difficult to eat. Moreover, the bacteria from the diseased gums can increase your likelihood of developing other health issues, such as:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Lung disease
- Stroke
- Arthritis.
Gum Disease As Linked to Heart Disease
TREATMENT OF GUM DISEASE
If gingivitis symptoms do not go away with proper home care, we can use an antibiotic cream or gel to target the microorganisms. These microbes harm your gum health by infecting them and causing frequent bleeding and bad breath. Oral Prophylaxis (getting your teeth cleaned professionally) will help remove the “tartar” or hardened plaque. These deposits grow along the gum line, which contains bacteria that cause gingivitis.
Non-Surgical Treatment
If your dentist detects the gum disease early, there is a big chance of reversing it. This can be done by improving home care for your teeth, gums, and eating habits.
Brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush is vital to avoid irritating delicate gums. Always brush your teeth thoroughly, including the gum line.
Brush teeth carefully, but not hurriedly. Use dental floss to remove food traps from between teeth – you can use ordinary floss or a floss threader.
The goal is to maintain clean teeth and not leave food debris or particles that harmful bacteria can feed on in your mouth.
A “water pik” or “water flosser,” a tool that bursts water on your teeth and effectively removes plaque and bacteria, is suggested for use.
You will also benefit from gargling an antiseptic mouthwash recommended by the dentist to eliminate persistent gum disease-causing bacteria.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
Intensive teeth cleaning that involves the tooth crown surfaces and the part of the tooth root near the gum line may be necessary if a large amount of dental deposits (tartar) need to be removed.
Scaling and Root Planing, commonly called Deep Cleaning, is a more thorough cleaning procedure that requires local anesthesia or anesthetizing of the area to be treated for more convenience and minor discomfort.
The dentist will get dental x-rays to determine the severity of the periodontal problem. A periodontal probe will measure the “gum pockets” (spaces that form between the gums and teeth due to gum disease).
The dentist uses Ultrasonic Scalers (dental cleaning devices), which will be used to break down hardened plaque (“tartar”) and calculus deposits on the tooth surfaces.
The dentist may additionally use hand scalers and dental curettes. These specialized dental tools will remove stubborn calcular deposits clinging to the teeth surfaces, in between and around the tooth roots. He will thoroughly scrape off the dental plaque and tartar adhering on the tooth surfaces and below the gum line.
The purpose of Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing) is to clean and smoothen the teeth surfaces so that the gums can eventually attach to the teeth. Once the gums have healed, they will adhere to the teeth surfaces, preventing plaque and bacteria from accumulating.
Following this treatment, you may feel that treated gum areas will be sore for a few days. Be careful when brushing and cleaning, as you do not want to sever the newly treated gums. Brush your teeth carefully, and be cautious about eating foods not to harm the gums for continued healing.
Flap Surgery
When the extra gum tissue is trimmed off, and the gum edges are correctly stitched. The purpose is to restrict plaque and bacteria from entering open gingival crevices, not to cause gum infection. Together with good oral care, antibiotic treatment comes along.
Tissue Grafts
The plaque and tartar that contains bacteria erodes the gums, periodontal ligaments, and even the alveolar jaw bone. The periodontist uses tissue grafts to see if your affected teeth can still stay in your jaw. If we go with this treatment, we’ll harvest tissue from the roof of the mouth and other donor areas and graft it onto the affected site.
Guided Bone Tissue Regeneration
One complication that can happen when your body’s trying to heal from gum disease is the gum tissue moving into the area where the bone tissue is. The periodontist may administer guided bone tissue regeneration to prevent this from occurring. A mesh is positioned along the edge of your gum tissue, holding it in place and stopping it from expanding into the bone space.
Surgical Procedures for the Treatment of Extensive Gum Disease
Gum disease is a common condition that can cause various problems if treated incorrectly. Surgery might be necessary to treat gum disease in some cases. There are a few types of surgical procedures that can be used to treat gum disease, and your dentist will determine which treatment is right for you, depending on the severity of your condition.
Suppose you have pockets in your gums, loose teeth, receding gums, or other signs of Periodontitis. In that case, the dentist will manage your gum disease more extensively, or the periodontist will make the surgical approaches needed.
Gum Disease Treatment Cost
The cost of treating gum disease varies widely, depending on your dentist’s exact treatment. If you catch gum disease early, all you’ll need is a new toothbrush, some floss, and mouthwash.
Catching gum disease early is key to avoiding extensive and costly treatment later, and it’ll help you keep your teeth longer.
It is crucial to catch your gum disease early to avoid extensive and costly treatment down the line and keep your teeth for a long time.
Whether you are looking for a local dentist or the best dental clinic to help you with your routine dental cleaning, deep scaling, gum surgery or periodontal disease treatment, you will definitely find time for the necessary care. You must keep up with the necessary appointments and at-home care to treat your gum disease. Your teeth allow you to eat, and losing even one of them will greatly impact your ability to chew.
