Root canal treatment is required when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. For the dentist to be able to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue within the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed; this space is then filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.
Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what’s not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth would be excessive and cause major problems for adjacent teeth.
Root canal treatment is highly successful and regularly lasts a lifetime, although occasionally, a tooth may need to be treated again due to new diseases.
Signs and symptoms for possible root canal treatment:
- A pustule (or blemish) on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Severe toothache agony
- Swelling and / or sensitiveness
Reasons for root canal treatment:
- Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue within the tooth)
- Infection or pustule have developed within the tooth or at the root tip
- Injury or injury to the tooth
What does root canal care involve?
A root canal process needs one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal consultant).
While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed round the tooth to keep it dry and freed from saliva. An access opening is created on top of the tooth and a sequence of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If there is evidence of tooth rot it will also be removed with special dental instruments.
Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it is going to be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if extra appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.
At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the interior hole of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This could protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and revive it to its full function.
After treatment, your tooth may still be delicate, but this could subside as the soreness lessens and the tooth has healed.
You will be given care directions after each appointment. Good oral cleanliness practices and regular dental visits will help in the life of your root canal treatment.
To learn more about Root Canal Treatment, visit Cochrane Dentist in Absolute Dental Care.