Chiropractic Healing Works

5 Things Diabetics Need To Know About Root Canal Treatments

17 June 2015 by Charlie Berry

Root canal treatments are a very common procedure: more than 41,000 are done every day in the United States. Generally, root canal treatments are a safe and effective procedure, but there are some health conditions that can increase your risk of complications. One of these health conditions is diabetes. If you have diabetes, here's what you need to know about getting a root canal treatment. 

When do you need a root canal treatment?

Root canal treatments are necessary when the pulp of your tooth gets exposed to bacteria and either becomes infected or dies. The pulp is the very center of your tooth, and it contains the blood and nerves that keep your tooth alive. Without a healthy pulp, your tooth could die and fall out. To prevent this from happening, dentists remove the damaged or dead pulp and replace it with an artificial rubber filling. This keeps your tooth alive and healthy. 

How will your dentist perform the treatment?

Root canal treatments are very simple. First, your dentist will numb your tooth, so despite the horror stories you've heard from your friends, your root canal won't actually be painful. Next, your dentist will drill a hole in your tooth so that the pulp can be accessed. The pulp will be removed with special tools, and once the inside of your tooth is cleaned out, your tooth will be filled with the artificial filling. The hole in the side of your tooth will be filled, and you'll be sent home to recover.

What complications are associated with diabetes?

There are a few different complications associated with root canal treatments in diabetics. Diabetes, as you probably know, weakens your immune system, so you'll be more susceptible to infections inside your mouth while you're healing. Your dentist may want to give you antibiotics after the treatment as a precaution.

Your condition also affects your body's ability to heal. High blood sugar levels make your blood vessels stiffer and narrower, and this doesn't let as much blood flow around your body.You'll need to make sure that your diabetes is well controlled before you get your root canal treatment; otherwise, your recovery period may be longer than it would normally be. 

How successful are root canal treatments in diabetics?

Studies have shown that root canal treatments may be more likely to fail in diabetics, though more research needs to be done to confirm this. One study found that root canal treatments were successful in 62% of diabetics, compared to 80% of non-diabetics. The sample size of this study was small, so the results are inconclusive, but clearly warrant further study. 

Other studies have shown that diabetics who get root canal treatments may be more likely to later need that tooth extracted than non-diabetics are. This is because diabetics are more likely to develop severe gum disease after a root canal than non-diabetics are, and this gum disease can lead to tooth loss. 

What are the alternatives to root canal treatments?

If you don't want to get a root canal treatment, or your dentist doesn't think you're a good candidate, you only have one other option: extraction. It's not a great option, but the infection inside your pulp can spread to other parts of your mouth and body if it's not dealt with. Once the damaged tooth is removed, you can have it replaced with a bridge or a dental implant. 

Diabetes can have effects throughout your body, including inside your mouth. If you need a root canal treatment, your diabetes may lead to complications and even failure of the procedure. Before you get your root canal treatment done, try to get your blood sugar levels under control. For more information about this and other dental procedures, check out websites like http://www.vbandk.com/.

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