Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure used to treat infection at the center of a tooth (the pulp). It aims at eliminating bacteria from the infected root canals, preventing future infections in the teeth, and preserving the natural teeth. Here’s a close look at what is involved and what you get from getting root canal treatments:
ROOT CANAL PROCEDURE
- Your dentist will examine your tooth and take X-rays to see how much the infection has spread inside it and how the root canals look in the images.
- This will include injection of anesthesia into the affected area so that the patient does not feel any pain.
- The dentist creates a hole through the crown of the tooth to get to the pulp chamber and root canals.
- The decayed or dead pulp is taken away from the tooth.
- Dentists use small, narrow files and irrigation solutions to clean, disinfect, and shape root canals to remove bacteria and debris.
- Once they have been cleaned and shaped, gutta-percha or another biocompatible material (gutta percha) is placed in the root canals to fill them.
- An adhesive cement guarantees that it is properly sealed off against bacteria returning into those vessels again.
- A temporary filling may be placed if a permanent restoration cannot be done immediately after closing upon the access opening.
- Sometimes, following completion of root canal treatment, a permanent filling or crown may be inserted immediately.
- After several weeks have passed, a long-term cap like a crown could substitute for this temporary restoration to protect and restore its original function (a process akin to crowning).
- It also prevents breakages of teeth while maintaining their natural appearance.
BENEFITS OF ROOT CANAL
Pain Relief
Root canal treatment relieves pain resulting from inflamed or infected dental pulp tissue.
Durability
Following proper maintenance, a root-canceled tooth can last for an entire lifetime.
Infection Control
This process of removing an infection from tooth preventing it from spreading to other teeth or tissues.
Appearance
A crown or a filling is used to repair the damaged tooth, which restores its normal appearance.
CONSIDERATIONS
Discomfort
After having this procedure carried out, using some over-the-counter painkillers may be of help since there could be certain discomforts or sensitivity during the immediate days.
Multiple Visits
The scope of root canal therapy can force patients to return to their dentists for more than one visit (This is because there are instances where the case is too complicated).
Cost
Costs involved in doing a root canal vary according to how complex the infected teeth are, as well as the requirements for further restorative dental techniques.