Root Canal treatment, is it dangerous?

Question

does root canal treatment have any revese effect on the jaw bones? like decay of the bones.... i have heard of few instances where RCT lead to oysteomyolitis.

Answer 1

It is rare for an RCT to cause osteomyelitis and would be because of existing infection, most likely a large untreated abscess. Antibiotics can be prescribed prior, concurrent or subsequent to treatment. Ordinarily, it is quite safe.

Answer 2

As with any medical procedure, there are risks. Because the endodontist is removing the nerve within your tooth, there are risks of infection, nerve damage, etc. However, leaving a broken or badly decayed tooth alone runs a greater risk of infection. Because of the proximity to the brain, it could become life threatening if left untreated. There are also a small group of dentist who believe root canals can themselves be life threatening as bacteria gets under the work area and spreads through the blood stream to create systematic illnesses. I don't know how reliable this is and it is not generally accepted by most dentists. (link to a book on this topic provided). I have three root canals; the oldest was done about 15 years ago. I personally didn't find the proceedure to be painful at all in all three cases. The worst of it was after having my jaw cranked open for 75 minutes, then trying to close it again. I have had not problems with any of them and my health is wonderful (haven't even had the flu or nausea since 1975 and I get a cold maybe once ever two years, well below average). But still the risk might be there. Just trying to provide you with all sides of the situation. Good luck. Hope this information helps.

Answer 3

This site has a lot of good information.

http://www.answers.com/topic/root-canal-treatment

I found this at www.endomail.com/articles/yb22osteomyelitis.html

"OSTEOMYELITIS of the jaws does not occur often these days. We can reduce the incidence further by using a rubber dam and apex locator during root canal therapy. Without a rubber dam, saliva can contaminate the tooth and our gloves, which in turn will transfer bacteria onto the reamers. Without an apex locator, we can over-instrument the canal and introduce bacteria on the reamer deep into the medullary portion of the jaw bone. This continuous introduction of bacteria into the medullary region can cause osteomyelitis in an immune-compromised patient. "

Hope that helps.

Answer 4

It's possible for it to lead to osteomyelitis, but it's not common. In general it is quite safe, although that doesn't mean it's always painless. I had a root canal done that was quite painful because my facial nerves aren't in the same location as in normal people. I'd be sure to have someone who can drive go with you so that they can give you gas if you need it.

Answer 5

No, I have had 3 of them with no problems and one cap has been on for about 10years...have a broken wisdom now and maybe headed for another root canal and crown.

Answer 6

I know lots of people who have had root canals, including myself. I have never heard of any cases of osteomyolitis among them.

Answer 7

You may wish to read an article called “Root Canal Fillings(Root Canal Teeth) Can Cause Serious Side Effects”. You can find it at:
http://www.san-diego-dentist.us/san-diego-dental-root-canals.htm
http://www.san-diego-dentist.us
http://san-diego-dentists.blogspot.com
http://www.san-diego-dentist.us/san-diego-dentist-tijuana-dentist.html
http://www.san-diego-dentist.us/tijuana-dentist.htm
http://www.san-diego-dentist.us/san-diego-dental-implants.html
http://www.medical-research-study-directory.info/san-diego-medical-research-study.htm
http://www.las-vegas-nevada-lawyer-attorney-legal-injury-defense-directory.com
http://www.acne-treatment-medicine-1.info

Answer 8

No, but usually the tooth turns dark and breaks off

Answer 9

I don't think it's dangerous. Painful and expensive - YES

Answer 10

It is common now.i