Informed Consent Root Canal

Root canal treatment (endodontic therapy) is a clinical procedure performed to save a natural tooth that has been severely damaged by decay, infection, or trauma. This process involves removing the damaged pulp (nerve and blood vessels) from inside the tooth, followed by thorough cleaning, disinfecting, and sealing of the canal space.

1. Nature and Goals of Treatment

The primary objective of endodontic therapy is to resolve internal infection and alleviate pain while attempting to retain a tooth that would otherwise require extraction. While the success rate for this procedure is high, it is important to understand that it is a biological process and success cannot be guaranteed.

2. Clinical Risks and Complications

As with any clinical procedure, certain risks exist. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Post-Operative Discomfort: Temporary soreness, swelling, or sensitivity in the area for several days following treatment.

• Procedural Complications: Potential for instrument separation (breakage) within the canal, perforation of the crown or root, or the inability to fully negotiate calcified or severely curved canals.

• Structural Integrity: A tooth becomes more brittle after the removal of the pulp. To prevent fracture or re-infection, a permanent restoration (typically a crown) is required following the procedure.

• Treatment Failure: In some cases, a tooth may not heal as expected or may become re-infected, which may necessitate endodontic retreatment, surgical intervention (apicoectomy), or extraction.

3. Alternatives to Treatment

Before proceeding, patients should consider the following alternatives:

• Extraction: The complete removal of the tooth. To maintain proper chewing function and prevent neighboring teeth from shifting, an extraction usually requires replacement with a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture.

• No Treatment (Refusal of Care): Choosing to forego treatment for an infected or damaged tooth carries significant risks, including chronic pain, dental abscess, progressive bone loss, and the potential for systemic infection to spread to other parts of the body.

4. Patient Expectations and Follow-Up

Successful long-term outcomes depend heavily on proper follow-up care. Patients must follow all post-operative instructions and return for the placement of a permanent restoration within the recommended timeframe. Please note that the final crown or restoration is generally a separate procedure from the root canal itself.