intro to root canal treatment

Question 1

what are the indications for RCT?

Answer 1

poor health - RCT safer than extraction and not at risk of BRONJ if taking bisphosphonates

Question 2

what are the aims of RCT?

Answer 2

removal of etiological factors to allow healing, prevention of reinfection by placing an effective coronal seal, allowing the tooth to become a healthy, functioning unit

Question 3

what are the contra-indications for RCT?

Answer 3

diabetes, difficult access, inability to lie back, no toleration of rubber dam, lack of tooth support, inadequate crown height, insufficient coronal tooth structure, root caries, furcation, internal resorption with perforation, vertical root fracture

Question 4

what should patients not be prescribed if on anticoagulants?

Answer 4

NSAIDs or cox-2 inhibitors

Question 5

when is the best time during pregnancy to schedule RCT?

Answer 5

2nd trimester

Question 6

which antibiotics should be avoided in pregnancy?

Answer 6

doxycycline, tetracycline, vancomycin

Question 7

what is supine hypotension syndrome?

Answer 7

vena cava compression due to lying flat in pregnancy which can cause foetal hypoxia due to reduced perfusion to uterus