Root Canal
Root canal treatment is not painful but instead can save a tooth that might otherwise have to be removed completely. It is a dental procedure used to treat an infection or damage to the pulp (the innermost part of a tooth). The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When it becomes infected or inflamed due to decay, trauma, or other issues, a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth.
Diagnosis:
The dentist will examine the tooth, take X-rays, and assess the extent of the damage or infection to determine if a root canal is necessary.
Cleaning And Shaping:
The infected or damaged pulp is removed from the pulp chamber and the root canals. The canals are then cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to remove any remaining bacteria.
Filling:
After cleaning and shaping, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to seal them and prevent further infection.
Sealing The Access Opening:
The access opening in the crown is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling. In some cases, a crown may be recommended to strengthen the tooth.
Follow-Up:
In some cases, a follow-up visit may be necessary to ensure proper healing, and a permanent restoration like a crown may be placed to protect and restore the tooth.
When Root Canal Treatment Is Needed?
Root canal treatment is needed when dental X-rays show that the pulp has been damaged by a bacterial infection. The pulp may become inflamed if it’s infected by bacteria, allowing the bacteria to multiply and spread.
The symptoms of a pulp infection include the following:
- Pain When Eating Or Drinking Hot Or Cold Food And Drink
- Pain When Biting Or Chewing
- A Loose Tooth
As the infection progresses, these symptoms often disappear as the pulp dies. Your tooth then appears to have healed, but the infection has spread through the root canal system.
You eventually get further symptoms, such as:
- Pain When Biting Or Chewing Returning
- Swelling Of The Gum Near The Affected Tooth
- Pus Oozing From The Affected Tooth
- A Swollen Cheek Or Jaw
- The Tooth Becoming A Darker Color
It’s important to see your dentist if you develop toothache. If your tooth is infected, the pulp cannot heal by itself. Leaving the infected tooth in your mouth may make it worse.
How Root Canal Treatment Is Done?
To treat the infection in the root canal, the bacteria need to be removed.
This can be done by either
- Removing The Bacteria From The Root Canal System (Root Canal Treatment)
- Removing The Tooth (Extraction)
However, removing the tooth is not usually recommended as it’s better to keep as many of your natural teeth as possible.