A root canal procedure, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental treatment that is used to remove tooth decay or improve the damage that has reached the tooth's inner layer called the pulp. The pulp is a soft tissue composed of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp gets infected or inflamed, it can cause extreme pain and sensitivity. If left untreated, the tooth may need to be extracted. However, a root canal procedure can save the tooth and relieve the patient's pain.
A root canal treatment is usually divided into two or three parts. The initial consultation means a comprehensive examination of the tooth as well as getting a set of X-rays to figure out the level of the damage. After that, the dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the damaged tooth to guarantee the patient's comfort.
The dentist will next drill a tiny hole in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp. They will next remove the affected pulp, clean the interior of the tooth, and form the root canals with specialist devices. After that, the dentist will seal the canals with a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha to prevent infection in the future.
The dentist can choose to wait before sealing the canals in specific cases. They can place medication into the tooth to treat any leftover infection or inflammation, and the patient will be required to return for another session to finish the procedure. Finally, the dentist will cover the opening in the tooth with a temporary filling. It will protect the tooth until a permanent filling or crown is being made to restore its function and look.
People may suffer some discomfort or sensitivity for a few days after the root canal treatment, which may be addressed with over-the-counter pain relievers. The dentist will tell you how to care for your tooth, such as avoiding hard or sticky foods and practicing proper oral hygiene.
A root canal is required when the pulp within a tooth becomes infected or inflamed. It can happen as a result of cavities, a fractured or chipped tooth, or tooth injury. If the infection is not treated, it can spread to the surrounding tissues, resulting in a painful abscess, or the tooth may need to be extracted.
A root canal surgery may save the infected tooth and avoid extraction, which can lead to other oral health issues. Saving the natural tooth additionally helps in the maintenance of good chewing function and the alignment of the surrounding teeth.
A root canal, like any other medical procedure, has some risks. The most common of them are:
Infection: Although the purpose of the root canal procedure is to cure the infection, there is a small possibility that bacteria will enter the tooth during or after the procedure, potentially resulting in a new infection.
Nerve damage: During the procedure, the nerves in the tooth may be injured, resulting in temporary or permanent numbness in the affected area.
Fracture: After a root canal procedure, a tooth may become weaker and more prone to fracture or chip.
However, the advantages of a root canal procedure much exceed the disadvantages. They include:
Pain relief: A root canal can provide relief from the discomfort, pain, and sensitivity caused by infected or inflamed pulp.
Natural tooth preservation: A root canal procedure can save a damaged tooth, maintaining both its function and look.
Improved dental health: Removing diseased or damaged pulp helps prevent infection from spreading to surrounding teeth and tissues.
A root canal procedure is a dental treatment that is used to treat tooth decay or damage that has reached the pulp. If you suffer from tooth pain or sensitivity, you should seek immediate dental care to identify the cause and avoid additional damage to the tooth or surrounding tissues. A root canal may be required to preserve the damaged tooth and restore dental health and function.
