Root Canal Treatment (Signs & Process)

Root Canal Treatment

If you have a feeling of extreme discomfort whenever consuming food, then it’s possible that you have an infection in the pulp of one of your teeth (the pulp is the soft tissue in the middle of a tooth). This will require root canal therapy, which is technically -known as endodontic treatment. This helps you keep your tooth..

Let’s assume that you have an infection in your tooth, or teeth. If this problem isn’t managed in a timely manner, then it’s possible that you’ll need to get your tooth removed completely. Root canal therapy can help you avoid having a tooth extraction performed. It’s important to preserve your teeth.

Unfortunately, there’s a stigma attached to root-canal procedures. Many people fear that pain will be inevitable during such a procedure. But the reality is that endodontic treatment has come a long way since its beginnings. Procedures are now more simple and painless.

Root Canal Therapy: A Detailed Description

Many people have heard of root canal treatment, but few people understand what a root canal really is. This is the area in the middle of a tooth that contains tissues that are filled with nerve endings. These tissues are known as dental pulp. Most front teeth have one root canal, but some teeth have two or more.

Sometimes, the enamel of our teeth gets damaged. This could be due to injuries or decay in general. Whenever this happens, it lets bacteria into the dental pulp. In turn, this gives the extreme discomfort that we can feel whenever we have an infection in our dental pulp.

When the dental pulp is infected and we want to keep the tooth, then root canal treatment is necessary. This is when the dentist opens up your tooth in order to remove the infected tissue from your root canal. The root canal system is disinfected, and then sealed by filling it with a synthetic material.

Once the root canal treatment is complete, the dentist will most likely need to seal and reinforce the top of your teeth with a crown. The main objective here is to make sure that your tooth maintains as much of its original function and appearance.

Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?

It’s quite common to go through a root canal procedure, particularly on teeth that have either experienced trauma or have had a lot of tooth decay.

Below are some signs that you may need root canal treatment.

While eating, constant pain persists within the tooth.
Cold/hot foods/drinks cause extreme, lingering, sensitivity.
Gums and/or cheeks have accrued swelling.
Your tooth doesn’t feel as secure as usual.
A tooth has become dark or cracked.
Your tooth is emitting some pus.

What Happens During The Root Canal Process?

Let’s assume that you’ve concluded that you need to get a root canal treatment. It’s normal to wonder what to expect during the entire procedure. Below, you’ll find bullet points that express what you’ll go through while your dentist is performing surgery on your root canal.

Assessment

This is when the dentist performs an examination which typically includes x-rays.

Anesthesia

This is when the dentist numbs your mouth to ensure your comfort during the procedure.

Pulp Removal

Since your dental pulp is infected, the dentist uses various instruments to remove the infected pulp, and to disinfect the inside of the tooth..

Material Filling

After removal of the infected pulp, a synthetic substance is used to fill and seal the root canals.

Crowning the tooth

A crown is placed over the top of the tooth. This is important as it greatly reduces the chance of further damage occurring to the tooth.

Root Canal Success Rate & Aftermath

If you’re worried that your procedure may take a bad turn, it’s best to think in a positive manner. After completion of this procedure, up to 90% of teeth treated last for 10 years provided they are looked after properly. . It’s an effective procedure that has been developed and improved over the years.

You should expect a small amount of discomfort initially after treatment which is usually easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.If pain persists, contact your dentist.

After all is said and done, after root canal treatment, and proper restoration of your tooth, it is expected that the tooth should be fully-functional. Any discomfort that you once had should subside over time. We hope that we’ve helped you understand a little more about root canals.

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