Calcified Root Canals
Calcified root canals present a challenging situation to treat. A healthy tooth will slowly lay down additional hard structure (secondary and tertiary dentine) to protect the nerve space of the tooth. This process is generally slow and of no clinical concern. However, this process may be accelerated by traumatic injury to the tooth, large restorations or caries. An infected tooth with calcified root canals is significantly more challenging to treat. The rate of complications, such as pulpal floor perforation, fracture of instruments inside the root canals or excessive removal of tooth structure, increases significantly when the root canals are calcified.
Your dentist may choose to refer you to an endodontist when the infected root canals are calcified. Through the use of an operating microscope, ultrasonic instruments, advanced nickel-titanium rotary instruments and advanced training, an endodontist will give your tooth the best possible outcome.
