Siletz
"Cha-may weeya ”
Health
Medicine Talk
Community
Clinic
Tooth Talk
by Linda Kreutzer, Dental Hygienist
What is a Root Canal?
Has your dentist ever told you that you need a root canal? Did the words strike fear
in your heart before you began to understand what a root canal was all about? They
really aren’t that bad; it’s best not to listen to other people’s dental horror stories.
A root canal is a wonderful way to keep a tooth that would otherwise be pulled out.
It’s a way to save a valuable and useful tooth, keeping it in the mouth for years to come.
Root canal therapy is the process of removing all of the inside (pulp) in the roots of
the tooth, then filling the roots. Teeth often become decayed or broken so badly that the
inside of the tooth becomes infected or abscessed. The tooth is dying and cannot be
fixed with a filling anymore.
First, the dentist numbs the area (just like for a filling). A small opening is made on
the top part of the tooth. Then, using special small instruments, the unhealthy remains of
the tooth’s roots are removed, and the remaining canals are cleaned out and medicated.
This process gets all the germs that are causing the infection out of the tooth. (Remember,
the tooth is numb and you cannot feel this). This process may take one to three visits.
The tooth is still there, but part of the inside is not. Now the tooth needs time to heal
before a permanent filling can de done. A special medication is placed in the tooth and
then it is sealed with a temporary filling (usually white in color).
The roots cannot be left hollow for long, and your dentist will tell you when to come
back to finish your root canal. Two or three weeks is the usual waiting time. It’s very
important to get back to your dentist to finish the root canal. Failure to do this usually
results in losing the tooth.
When it’s time to finish the root canal, the dentist most likely will numb the tooth
again. The roots are re-cleaned and filled. In the final step, a gold or porcelain crown is
usually placed over the tooth to keep it strong.
All of this may sound complicated, but if it can save a tooth, go for it! When a tooth
is lost, all of the teeth can shift, causing unsightly spacing or even gum problems. Better
yet, talk to someone who has lost most of his or her teeth. They just may tell you to do all
you can to hold on to every precious one.
Above: Casey Bolan becomes “Casey the
Crayon" on Halloween. Below left: Diane
Tripp (I) and Linda Kreutzer liven up the
dental area.
Halloween at the
Siletz Clinic
by Kathryn Dick
Halloween at the Siletz Clinic was a
very eventful day. The Head Start classes
toured the clinic and received many treats.
Some clinic employees also took part by
dressing in costumes for the occasion.
Greeting the Head Start children and
parents were Lisa Taylor, RNP, who came
as a black cat; Casey Bolan, receptionist, a
green color crayon; and Brenda Robertson,
who was quite the character. I guess they
let just about anyone in the l^b these days!
And, boy! I’m glad I didn’t have a dental
appointment this day! Linda Kreutzer and
Diane Tripp, the new dental assistant, were
quite scary looking. I myself was happy just
being me, taking pictures and passing out
candy. It was a very fun day!
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