Many people wonder, "What is root canal treatment?" Why do I require root canal treatment? How can I tell whether I require root canal treatment? What do you do while getting a root canal? And there's a lot more. Many patients despise it because it is one of the most dreaded dental treatments. It's crucial to remember, however, that if done correctly and thoroughly, it's no more difficult or uncomfortable than any other dental procedure. So we thought to throw some light on it and present a helpful step-by-step guide on root canal treatment from the perspective of a dentist. Let’s take a look at what exactly is Root Canal Treatment?
What is Root Canal Treatment?
The name of the dental procedure commonly referred to as a “root canal” is actually endodontic therapy, which means “inside the tooth”. The Greek words "endo" and "odont" respectively mean “Inside" and "tooth”. The inside of the tooth is treated using endodontic treatment commonly termed Root Canal Treatment.
Root Canal Therapy is a dental procedure that removes the infection from the inside of a tooth. It can also help to prevent the tooth from infection in the future. It is performed in the root canal, which is the pulp of the tooth which is why it is popularly known as Root Canal Treatment.
Basically, A "root canal" is a component of a tooth, not a therapy. The pulp, also known as the inner chamber of a tooth, contains nerve tissue, blood vessels, and other cells. A tooth is made up of two parts: the crown and the roots. The crown of the tooth is mostly above the gum line, while the roots are below. The tooth's roots anchor it to the jawbone.
The pulp is located between the crown and the root canal. The pulp nourishes the tooth and keeps the surrounding tissue wet. Hot and cold temperatures are perceived as pain by the nerves in the pulp.
Quick Facts about Root Canal Treatment
- Root Canal Treatment is a procedure that removes nerves from a tooth's pulp.
- It is supposed to be quite unpleasant, yet it is actually a pain-relieving procedure.
- The procedure often referred to as Root Canal is called Endodontic Therapy.
- The cost of Root Canal Treatment varies, but it is less expensive than having a tooth extracted and replaced with a crown or bridge.
Who needs a Root Canal Treatment and Why?
If you have discomfort or severe pain in your tooth, you may wonder if a root canal is essential. Your dentist may recommend root canal therapy if you have swelling, gum infection, soreness, gum swelling, extreme pain, sensitivity to hot and cold things, or gumballs. The nerve of the tooth might die or get infected in some circumstances. If an infection develops, root canal therapy may be required, which may or may not be painful.
A dead nerve can be caused by a variety of factors, including
- Damage to the nerve caused by decay
- A Substantial Filling
- Teeth that are Broken or Cracked
- Mechanical or Thermal forces produce damage
In such circumstances, root canal therapy is required to save the tooth. The infected nerve is removed from the tooth, the canals cleansed, and an inert filling is put in this situation.
Common Signs and Symptoms indicate Root Canal Treatment requirement
- Forming an abscess or pus pouring out of the gums close to the affected tooth
- Significant discomfort and pain associated with a single tooth
- Inability to eat or chew on the tooth
- Heightened sensitivity to hot and cold meals and beverages
- Pain that does not occur as a result of eating or drinking
3 Stages of Root Canal Treatment
Stage 1: Extirpation - The Initial Clean-up to keep the bacterial infection at bay
- A patient visits the dental clinic with a severe toothache or an abscess in the mouth caused by an infected pulp.
- The tooth is diagnosed using percussion, palpation, cold tests, and an x-ray.
- If it is determined that the tooth requires root canal treatment, we will explain the procedures and expenses.
- If you decide to go through with root canal treatment, the process gets started with the Extirpation stage
- A rubber dam and clamp are placed around your teeth once it has been numbed. The rubber barrier not only isolates the tooth and keeps it clean from saliva, but it also keeps the little instruments used during the surgery from falling down the mouth.
- Following the placement of the rubber dam and clamp, dentists create a small aperture on the top of the tooth to clean the root canal using small files.
- The tooth is rinsed with antibacterial solutions to eliminate the bacteria
- Medicine is placed in the tooth and covered with a temporary filling until the next procedure, Instrumentation is started.
- After Step 1: Extirpation, there may be some residual soreness for the first 24 hours, but the majority of the pain and swelling should have dissipated by then.
Stage 2: Instrumentation - A Deep cleaning and Thorough Medication
- After Extirpation, the patient usually returns in 1-2 weeks. In some circumstances, Steps 1 and 2 of Root Canal Treatment can be completed in the same session, with advance notice of whether or not this is possible.
- Instrumentation is similar to Extirpation, but it will be more thorough in cleaning the root canal so that dentists can remove all of the bacteria and infections left inside the root canals.
- The dentist will take measurements and x-rays to confirm the length of the root canal assuring that the root canal is cleaned and filled completely.
Stage 3: Obturation - The Process of Filling the Root Canal
- Dentists can insert the root filling once they are convinced the bacteria and infection are under control (no more signs and symptoms of soreness or discomfort from the tooth).
- They install the rubber dam and clamp on the tooth, irrigate the tooth with antibacterial treatments, dry the tooth, and place Gutta Percha (rubber points) into the root canals, ensuring that the root canal is extended to its full length. The Gutta Percha is then heated to seal them inside the root canals.
- Depending on the next steps, they will either place a temporary filling or a permanent filling on the tooth once the Gutta Percha is placed.
Placing a Crown - A Furthermore Step Suggested by Dentist for Long Lasting Root Canal Treatment
Your dentist may consider installing a crown over the tooth within three months of root canal treatment, depending on the tooth, to give maximum long-term protection for the tooth.
This is due to the fact that a tooth that has had a nerve infection and has had root canal treatment is weak and fragile. When we eat and chew, our back molar teeth are subjected to a lot of biting pressures, so placing a crown on the tooth gives it the strength and durability it needs to last.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
There are numerous clinical reasons why root canal treatment is required, but there are also numerous practical reasons why preserving the natural tooth is the best option. Endodontic therapy allows you to keep your natural smile, consume the things you enjoy, and avoid the need for additional dental procedures. Most teeth that have had root canal treatment can survive a lifetime if they are properly cared for.
A Procedure that is Virtually Painless
Root canal therapy is almost painless, and it often causes less suffering during recuperation than having a natural tooth pulled. Patients who undergo root canals are six times more likely than those who have a tooth pulled to describe the procedure as painless, thanks to current procedures and good anaesthetic.
Cost-Effective & Efficient
Because of the follow-up appointments required for a denture, bridge, or implant, tooth extraction can take longer than root canal treatment; also, the cost may be higher. Endodontic treatment is usually covered by most dental insurance policies.
The End Result Is Visually Appealing
Crowns not only perform like natural teeth, but they also look wonderful. With root canal therapy, you can restore your smile and laugh out loud once again.
Conclusion
Despite the myths and misconceptions surrounding root canal operations, they are efficient in restoring the function and saving your damaged tooth. If you're interested in scheduling a root canal, we recommend reading the root canal treatment step-by-step guidance above. It's a painless procedure.
Schedule an appointment with our dentist immediately to ensure that your treatment is completed on time!
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