Root Canal Treatment Consent

Root canal treatment is a complex dental procedure which we will undertake to save your tooth due to:

Loss of nerve vitality/deep caries/irreversible carious ingress into the pulp/prior to crowning for long term predictability if deep cavity/to allow for post retention/ to keep a non-vital tooth in safe function.

If left untreated bacteria will grow within the tooth which could cause infection, pain, swelling and in extreme cases the spread of infection to other areas of the body, which in rare circumstances, may become life-threatening.

The alternative to endodontic treatment is to consider an extraction of the tooth and then replacement with a:- 

1. Implant 

2. Removable Denture

3. Bridge 

4. Leave space 

Procedure:

1. After administering anaesthetic, we place a sheet called a rubber dam over the tooth

2. Access is then gained to the root canal system of the tooth

3. Once all the canals are located, they will be prepared with special files 

4. The canals will be disinfected and sealed

5. A restoration is placed on top 

Two or more appointments may occasionally be needed, with medication placed inside the canals. 

Limitations 

1. There may be more canals in the tooth than expected, and sometimes not all of these are visible. They may harbour bacteria which may cause reinfection in future. 

2. Accessory canals at the tip of the tooth cannot be physically cleaned and prepared. The longer the infections has been inside the tooth the harder these canals become to clean and disinfect as bacteria infiltrates further into the tooth. 

3. Any tooth in the back half of the mouth that has had root canal treatment is susceptible to fracture and therefore needs a crown or onlay placed as soon as possible after treatment. 

• Studies  show after 5 years, 90% of successfully root treated molars are still in the mouth when crowned as opposed to 40% which received fillings.  

However, sometimes your dentist may wait for some time to be sure that the root canal treatment is stable before a permanent restoration is placed. During this interim period, a filling can be placed in the tooth and the height of the tooth reduced to reduce the risk of tooth fracture.

Additional Risks: Are unlikely, but may occur.  

• Perforations (extra openings) of the canal with instruments - requiring extraction of the tooth or specialist referral at patient’s expense.

• Incomplete healing 

• Tooth and/or root fracture that may require extraction. 

• Fracture, chipping, or loosening of existing tooth or crown

• One of the instruments may break off inside the tooth. If we are unable to remove the broken piece of instrument, we may elect to leave it in place and fill the canal behind the obstruction. If, however, this is not an option or if it is attempted without success, you may require other treatment at additional charges to you and a referral to a specialist.

• Pain, swelling and further medical issues may occur if you do not have the root canal completed.

Patient declaration

Root canal procedure has been explained to me fully and I have had the opportunity to think about all the risks and benefits of treatment. 

I have read this consent form in my own time and I am happy to progress with the treatment.