Clinical review: Dr. Samreen Ejaz, BDS, RDS ·
Which part gets the glass ionomer?
The root canal treats the canals deep inside the tooth. The glass ionomer goes on top, closing the hole we made to reach the canals and rebuilding what’s missing. It isn’t the material used inside the roots. We’ll write on your plan exactly what goes where, and if anything on it isn’t clear, just ask.
Is a filling enough, or will you need a crown?
That depends on how much tooth is left and how much of your bite lands on it. In some teeth a glass ionomer filling is the final repair. In others it’s a stopgap before a crown. A back tooth that’s badly broken down often needs covering to stop it cracking, and Dr. Samreen will tell you if yours does.
How the visits fit together
We treat the canals first, then fill the opening as planned. Sometimes that happens at the same visit, sometimes at a later one. Ask us which it will be for you, and what to do if the temporary filling comes out while you’re waiting. If a crown is planned, book that appointment too. In that case the glass ionomer isn’t the end of treatment.
Looking after the tooth
Follow what we tell you about eating straight after the filling, and avoid chewing hard on that side while the tooth is waiting for its crown. Brush and clean around it as normal. Let us know if your bite feels different, a piece of filling comes away, or you get swelling. At check-ups we look at both the filling and how the root is healing.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Questions about root canal treatment with glass ionomer restoration
Is the glass ionomer the final filling?
Sometimes it is. In other cases it’s a middle step before a crown. We’ll tell you which it is for your tooth.
How is this different from a normal filling?
The tooth has also had treatment inside it, so we need to think about how much of it is left and how well the top is sealed. A leak from above can let germs back into the canals.
Does root canal treatment hurt?
We numb the tooth first, so you should mainly feel pressure. It may be tender for a few days afterwards.
This is general information. What’s right for your tooth depends on what Dr. Samreen finds when she examines it.
Background reading: AAE: root canal treatment explained. These are overseas sources, so their prices and rules don’t apply here.