Nothing sounds scarier to patients who grew up frightened of the dentist than a root canal!!!
Who doesn’t tremble at the mention of a ‘root canal’? The word ‘pain’ immediately pops in the mind.
But how many of us actually understand what a ‘root canal’ is?
Root canals are simply treatments that save your smile. It is the last resort before a tooth extraction when infected or decaying teeth have failed to respond to less invasive therapies.
Now let’s see in detail about root canal treatment in this blog!!
Table of Contents
What is Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal is a portion of a tooth, not a treatment!!
In actuality, Endodontic therapy, which means ‘within the tooth’, is the term of the dental procedure generally referred to as a ‘root canal’.
So, endodontic therapy aka root canal is a dental procedure in which the soft centre of the tooth, the pulp, is removed.
Now, where is the pulp present? For that let’s see what makes up a tooth – a crown and roots. The crown of the tooth is mostly above the gum line, while the roots are below.
Between the crown and the root canal, the pulp is located. The pulp, also known as the inner chamber of a tooth, contains nerve tissue, blood vessels, and other cells. It nourishes the tooth and keeps the surrounding tissue wet, according to the experts from dentist hospitals. And the nerves in the pulp perceive heat and cold as pain.
When You Need A Root Canal? Signs to Look for
When the pulp is wounded, inflamed, or infected, a root canal is performed. To remove the injured or infected pulp is essential to protect your tooth’s structure.
What causes root canal or pulp damage? Well, the following are some of the most common causes:
- A crack or chip in the tooth
- An injury to the tooth (You might injure a tooth if you get hit in the mouth – the pulp can still be damaged even if the injury doesn’t crack the tooth)
- Tooth decay due to an untreated cavity
- Multiple dental procedures on the same tooth
How do you know if you have damaged pulp and need a root canal? For that, the most common symptoms are:
- Fever
- Feeling pain while chewing or eating
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Bad breath
- Bitter taste in the mouth
- Neck glands that are swollen
- Discomfort, uneasiness, or illness-like emotions
- Gum swelling coupled with redness
- Swelling in the upper and/or lower jaw region(s)
- A sore on the side of the gum that is open, leaking, or draining
If you have any questions about any of these symptoms, you can visit the dentist. To visit the best dentists near you, you can make an appointment via Healthwire.pk.
What are Root Canal Treatment Steps?
Now, let’s have an insight of root canal treatment steps. They are:
1- Preparation
To begin, your dentist will numb the region around the problematic tooth using a local anaesthetic to help you relax. After the anaesthesia has been given, your dentist will wrap a rubber dam around the tooth.
Dentists may also recommend sedation for worried patients to ensure that the treatment is conducted appropriately and safely.
Throughout the root canal procedure, the region is kept dry and free of saliva.
2- Removing the Infected Pulp
In the second root canal treatment step, your dentist will make a small opening in the crown of your tooth while it is numb. Drilling access into the tooth allows to remove the infected pulp, destroyed nerve tissue, and bacteria.
The special tools called files will be used by your dentist to clean the area. These files are inserted into the access hole to scrape and scrub the root of the tooth.
3- Cleaning
After the pulp has been removed, the dentist may apply a topical antibiotic to the area to ensure that the infection is gone and no reinfection occurs.
4- Sealing and Temporary Filling
After clearing out the diseased pulp, your dentist will seal the tooth. He will use a soft, temporary substance to fill the little opening in the top of the tooth. This sealant helps to protect the canals from saliva damage.
5- Permanent Filling on Second Visit
Within a few days of the root canal, you’ll see your dentist. They’ll do X-rays to make sure there’s no infection. They’ll also use a permanent filling to replace the temporary one.
Get to know which dental filling is best for you.
What Happens After Your Root Canal?
According to the top reviewed dentist in Karachi, Dr. Muhammad Ahsan Bhatti “When the numbing medication goes off, your teeth and gums may feel sore. Gums may swell as well. Most dentists will prescribe over-the-counter pain relievers such acetaminophen or ibuprofen to alleviate these.”
Things to consider:
- If the discomfort gets unbearable or lasts longer than a few days, contact your dentist.
- Also, avoid chewing on the damaged tooth until it has been properly filled or a crown has been set on top.
What to Expect from the Root Canal Results? It’s Up To You!!
A root canal is a type of restorative dentistry. The majority of people who get the surgery can enjoy the excellent outcomes for the rest of their lives.
However, how long the benefits persist is determined on how you care for your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing are just as important for your restored tooth as they are for the rest of your teeth.
Get to know about the right brushing techniques to get clean teeth.
How Painful is the Root Canal?
One of the most common concerns about endodontic therapy is PAIN.
BUT!! Let me tell you…
The infection in your pulp is the source of the discomfort, NOT THE ROOT CANAL TREATMENT!!! The treatment does not create pain; rather, it aids in its relief.
In addition, the dental surgeon will numb the tooth and surrounding area using local anaesthetic to make the process less painful.
Though tenderness is to be expected after therapy, it’s only temporary. And over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers may help you get relief.
Are There Any Risks With Root Canal?
Root canal treatment is done to save your tooth. However, sometimes the damage is too severe or the enamel is too fragile to be repaired. These circumstances can result in tooth loss.
If part of the contaminated material persists or the antibiotics aren’t effective, an abscess formation at the base of the tooth is also another risk.
If you’re worried about a root canal, your dentist may recommend an extraction instead. This usually entails replacing the broken tooth with a partial denture, bridge, implant, or fake tooth.
Read in detail about fake tooth as a replacement for broken teeth.
Final Words!!
Remember that severe tooth decay or infection necessitates a root canal procedure. Brushing and flossing on a regular basis, as well as seeing your dentist for check-ups and cleanings, are essential for preventing these issues from returning.
