Root canal treatment is the therapy given to damaged or infected teeth. Commonly known as endodontic treatment, it involves the act of removing the infected pulp inside the tooth and cleansing the interior of the tooth with disinfection then sealing it. This procedure often occurs when the pulp of the tooth is inflamed or infected by deep decay, or from repeated dental procedures on the tooth, as well as cracks and chips in the teeth. Root canal therapy aids in relief of pain and restoration of tooth function.
Source: https://thedentalcure.com/root-canal-treatment-process/
A root canal is essentially the content of a tooth, containing nerves and blood vessels. The pulp becomes necessary only for nourishment; when the tooth is fully formed, it becomes outmoded for its working function. A root canal treatment is essentially the removal of the damaged pulp from the tooth, cleaning out the root canals, and then sealing the space to prevent any further infections.
There are several symptoms that will show you might need a root canal treatment. The most common of them include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you must see a dentist; further delay would lead to a severe complication of causing tooth loss.
Before beginning treatment, your dentist will examine the tooth carefully to assess how severely damaged the tooth is. Most cases involve an X-ray to see the status of the tooth and also the bone. Your dentist will review your signs and symptoms and then decide if there's a need for a root canal.
Once the decision is made to proceed with a root canal, the first act is local anesthesia in which the area affected is numbed. This will see that little, if any, pain will be appreciated during this procedure. Current anesthetics and techniques also usually make the process of having a root canal quite tolerable for most patients.
Access into the pulpal chamber and root canal system is created through an access hole in the crown of the tooth after the process of numbing by a small drill.
The infected or damaged pulp will be removed through the pulp chamber and root canals using special instruments. Following the removal of the pulp, the inside of the tooth will be cleaned and disinfected to remove bacteria and debris. After cleaning, the shape of the root canals is given such that they are prepared for filling.
Once the canals are cleaned and shaped, the dentist fills them with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This rubber-like substance occludes the space so no bacteria can penetrate into the tooth again. The filling guards the tooth against future infection.
After filling the canals, a temporary filling will be put into the access hole to protect the tooth until such time that a permanent restoration, like a crown, can be fabricated and placed on the tooth. In other situations, the dentist may put a post inside the tooth for additional support if the tooth structure is weak.
Most of the time, follow-up with restoration of the tooth treated with a root canal procedure using an expected permanent restoration, such as a crown. The crown will help strengthen and restore the function of the original tooth and also prevent the further destruction of the tooth. It is mostly usually done as a follow-up visit after the root canal treatment.
There usually is a little discomfort or soreness in the treated area after a root canal treatment. Patients can take such over-the-counter painkillers as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to deal with this. You will get some post-treatment care instructions from your dentist as per which you may have to avoid chewing on your treated tooth until the crown is put.
Most of the patients are able to return to their completed activities on the very next day. However, good oral hygiene should be maintained with brushing, flossing, and dental appointments to heal up the tooth properly.
There are several advantages of having a root canal treatment, such as:
Prevention is always the best cure. There might be nothing that everyone could do to prevent an emergency root canal, but it can be reduced through good oral hygiene practices. Here are some ways on how a healthy smile can be maintained:
1. Is a root canal painful?
With the help of modern anesthetics, a root canal treatment is about as painless as having a routine filling. Most patients describe feeling minimal discomfort at all during the treatment itself.
2. How long does a root canal take?
The length of time for the procedure depends on the case, but most of the root canals can be completed in one or two appointments lasting roughly 60 to 90 minutes.
3. Can root canal be done in one visit?
More often than not, a root canal can be completed in just a single visit, although more time and multiple appointments may be needed in complex cases.
4. How long does a tooth last after the root canal?
If a tooth is properly maintained, it can be considered to stay there forever after the intervention of the root canal. A root canal requires regular dental checkup and proper oral hygiene.
Reline and preserve a damaged or infected tooth through a safe and effective way: root canal treatment process can give relief from pain and avoid other complications. This process allows you to preserve your natural tooth, hence maintaining a healthy smile, by removing the infected pulp and sealing the tooth seal. If you start to feel symptoms that indicate you'll need to undergo a root canal, then go to your dentist to determine what alternatives exist and when is the optimal time to treat you. Proper care can sustain an endodontically treated tooth for many years.