When most people think about a root canal, they have a fairly simple picture of the procedure in mind. However, root canal therapy varies considerably depending on which tooth is being treated, how many roots it has, the shape of those roots, and where the tooth sits in the mouth. Some root canals are relatively quick and predictable, but others can be a bit of a challenge for even the most skilled dentists and endodontists. Here’s a closer look at why.
What Does Root Canal Treatment Involve?
A root canal involves the removal of infected pulp tissue, which is found near the center of a tooth, in order to prevent further infection or eventual tooth loss. During the procedure, the inner root canals of the teeth are also cleaned and sealed, which is also where the treatment gets its name. The tooth is normally filled with a biocompatible material to help it retain its structure, and in most cases, a dental crown is placed to help protect it moving forward.
This often sounds scarier than it is, and despite how root canals have been portrayed on television and social media, it’s actually a very quick treatment that causes little pain and instead makes a hurting tooth feel much better!
Which Teeth Are the Most Challenging for a Root Canal?
On paper, a root canal seems very simple; however, certain teeth can actually make the process more complex.
For example, the maxillary (upper) first molars are often considered the most difficult to treat via root canal therapy. These teeth usually have three roots, and in some cases might have an extra fourth canal that’s hidden. These roots also come in all kinds of shapes and curvatures, sometimes even curving unpredictably, which can make it more difficult to clean and fill completely. The upper molars can also be tricky to reach with precision instruments; combine this limited access with poor visibility, and even a seasoned dentist or endodontist might have difficulty performing a root canal.
Although the upper molars are among the toughest to treat, the lower molars have complex anatomies similar to them, meaning they can also pose comparable challenges. Premolars, even though they have fewer roots than molars, can also sometimes contain hidden canals that complicate the treatment. Furthermore, the lower incisors might seem simpler due to their single root, but their narrow canals can make cleaning more difficult.
The bottom line is, due to the complexity of certain teeth, you should always want an experienced dentist or endodontist performing your root canal—especially when the tooth in question is in the back of your mouth!
About the Practice
With Dr. Karyn Stern, Dr. Niusha Nikkholgh, and Dr. Marta Rafla leading our team, we’ve proudly served the endodontic needs of patients in Worcester and the surrounding communities for several years. We offer a wide range of treatments for treating troubled teeth, including root canal therapy performed by our board-certified team. If you have any questions about the blog or need to schedule an appointment for yourself or a family member, reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (508) 755-3636.