Root canal treatment is also known as Endodontic Treatment. It is used to treat inflamed and infected tissues inside a tooth.
Each tooth contains a kind of soft tissue called pulp beneath the enamel and dentin layers. The pulp is home to blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. Although the pulp is vital for the development and growth of a tooth’s teeth, it can also be used to provide nourishment for surrounding tissues.
A root canal procedure involves removing pulp that has become inflamed or infected. To protect the area from further damage, the pulp chamber and root canal must be completely cleaned and refilled.
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Root Canal Treatment Indications
Root canal treatment is an effective option for patients with severe inflammation or infection of the pulp. The infection can progress to severe pain and cause an abscess beneath the tooth. This will affect the strength and functionality of the tooth.
Root canal treatment can be used to preserve the function of teeth, so patients can continue to use normal biting force to chew. Root canal treatment can also preserve the tooth’s natural appearance, as opposed to other options such as dental implant. Root canal treatment can also protect other teeth from damage and excessive strain, which may happen if the root canal is performed on only one side.
Step-by-Step Root Canal Treatment
An examination of the tooth is the first step in root canal treatment. This allows the dentist to understand the root cause and can treat it accordingly. This usually involves a thorough examination of the inner of the mouth and X-ray imaging to see the pulp chamber.
The local anesthetic will be applied to the affected area to numb it and improve the patient’s comfort during the procedure. To isolate the affected area and keep any saliva or other substances from the area, a “dental dam”, a protective sheet is placed over it.
To open the crown of the tooth, the dentist can drill into it. To remove inflamed and infected pulp, specialized instruments can be used to insert into the pulp chamber or root canals. The rest of the space is cleaned and shaped so that it can be used for a filling. This will replace the pulp inside the tooth.
You can then fill the root canal with a biocompatible material such as gutta percha. To prevent infection from the future, adhesive dental cement is used.
A temporary filling is typically placed over the opening after the root canal has been fully filled. A crown is placed over the tooth eventually to protect it for the long-term. However, there may be a wait period between appointments while the crown has been made. During this time, a temporary filling can be used. The temporary filling can then be removed at the next dental appointment and the tooth can be restored with a crown, or another restoration.
The procedure can cause pain
In recent years, the techniques for root canal surgery have improved significantly. Patients now report feeling relatively comfortable during the procedure and not experiencing any pain.
This is due in large part to the local anesthesia that was used to numb the affected area. This may provide relief for patients, especially if pulp inflammation has caused severe pain, and necessitated root canal treatment.