Ideally, most people shudder at the thought of a root canal due to the persistent tooth pain or a tooth infection.
But, root canal treatment is an important treatment that can help you keep your natural tooth and reduce pain.
Contrary to what most people think, a root canal is a safe, efficient, and comparatively painless method of treating affected teeth.
This article will provide you with all the information regarding root canal treatment including the signs of a root canal needing to be filled and the causes of such a need, going through the process of filling a root canal, and the advantages of the procedure.
What is a root canal treatment?
A root canal is a dental procedure aimed at the treatment of an infection or damage to the pulp of the tooth.
It is the process of evacuating the infected pulp from the tooth, cleansing and sanitizing the empty chamber, and then restoring it with a suitable material.
Why Root Canal Treatment Is Necessary?
A root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes infected or damaged due to:
Deep Decay
Cavities that go all the way down to the roots of the teeth.
Repeated Dental Procedures
Conditions that can cause inflammation or damage to the pulp include several procedures on a tooth.
Cracks or Chips
Injury to the tooth tissue leads to exposure of the inner core of the tooth known as pulp to bacteria.
Trauma
What is a cracked tooth, and how is it different from a chipped tooth? sometimes, a tooth can be damaged in such a way that the pulp is injured but the outer structure of the tooth seems perfectly fine.
What are the signs that you require a root canal?
Some common signs that you might need a root canal include:
Severe Tooth Pain
One may note pain in the persistent area, particularly when chewing or attempting to apply pressure on it.
Sensitivity
Continued sensitivity to heat or cold.
Discoloration
A slight intrinsic change in the color of the tooth may require root canal treatment.
Swelling and Tenderness
Inflammation of the gums surrounding the particular tooth that has a cavity or is decaying.
Pimple on the Gums
A pimple on the gums which comes and goes, or stays for a long time may signify an abscess.
What is the process of a root canal treatment?
Initial Examination and Diagnosis
Consultation
Before a root canal treatment, a dentist examines the tooth clinically and discusses your signs and symptoms.
X-rays
An X-ray is then used to determine the severity of the infection and to check the curvature of the root canals.
Anesthesia
Local Anesthesia
The tooth as well as the gum tissues are anesthetized to reduce the pain while undergoing the procedure.
Tooth Isolation
Dental Dam
A rubber dam is put around the tooth to reduce exposure of the working field to saliva during the procedure.
Access Opening
Cavity Access
The dentist uses a dental drill to start dental surgery root canal. They make an access cavity in the crown of the tooth through which they can remove the pulp and the root canals.
Removing the Infected Pulp
Pulp Removal
Utilizing specific devices, the dentist evacuates the affected or non-viable tissue from the pulp chamber and the root canals.
Carving and Scanning the Canals
Canal Cleaning
The canals are again irrigated to remove debris and bacteria that may still be in the root canals.
Shaping
The canals are then reshaped and enlarged so that instruments and medicaments can be inserted effectively.
Disinfection
Antibacterial Solution
The canals are rinsed with an antibacterial solution by the root canal dentist to remove any bacteria that might remain.
Filling the Canals
Gutta-Percha
The canals, which have been cleaned and shaped, are then packed with a substance known as gutta-percha.
Sealing
To avoid future recurrent infections, an adhesive cement is applied to seal the canals.
Temporary Filling
Temporary Seal
An interim restoration is done to seal the access opening until a permanent restoration is done.
Restoration
Permanent Restoration
If required, a temporary filling is replaced by a permanent filling or crown during a subsequent visit to the root canal treatment clinic to rectify the appearance and function of the affected tooth.
Crown Placement
A crown could be put on the tooth for further support and seal, especially in the situation where the tooth in consideration is a molar.
Follow-Up
Monitoring
After the procedure is completed, the dentist will book other appointments to check on the progress and confirm that the tooth is working as expected.
What are the benefits of getting a root canal treatment?
Pain Relief
Eliminates Infection-Related Pain
A root canal treatment works to eliminate the infection or inflammation causing the sensation of pain within the tooth as it gets rid of the pulp, granting considerable and sometimes instantaneous pain relief.
Tooth Preservation
Save the Natural Tooth
A root canal helps you retain your tooth which is better than having to get it removed and then having to deal with options such as an implant or a bridge.
Restored Function
Normal Chewing and Biting
The restored tooth works just like any other natural tooth and one can be able to bite and chew as one desires.
Speech Improvement
Natural teeth also assist in speaking normally, meaning that the more people can retain the natural teeth, the better.
Aesthetic Maintenance
Natural Appearance
Maintaining your natural tooth guarantees that you maintain that natural outlook of your mouth without those gaps or artificial dentures that could change your look.
Prevents Spread of Infection
Halts Further Damage
Extraction of the infected pulp halts infection from spreading to adjacent teeth as well as the surrounding bone of the jaw.
Protects Overall Health
Consult Northern Beaches Dental to reduce severe health consequences due to untreated dental infections that may spread to the rest of the body.
Efficiency and Longevity
Long-Lasting Results
A root-canaled tooth can last for a lifetime when filled or crowned properly and with proper care and dental check-ups.
Durability
The materials used to fill and seal the tooth are strong and can resist forces that are exerted usually while chewing food.
Cost-Effective
Less Expensive than Alternatives
Despite the perception of root canal treatment as expensive, it is cheaper than extracting the tooth and having to go through the process of getting a bridge, dentures, or an implant.
Maintains Jawbone Integrity
Prevents Bone Loss
Preserving the natural tooth is also advantageous because it prevents the deterioration of the jawbone that occurs when teeth are missing.
Improved Oral Hygiene
Easier Cleaning
Natural teeth can easily be brushed and managed in comparison to prosthetic replacements thereby minimizing the occurrence of other dental complications.
Conclusion
Root canal treatment is a significant branch in current dentistry, which aims at saving teeth and relieving pain due to infection or trauma.
Becoming informed about a root canal’s signs, causes, and process can help alleviate fears and anxiety about the procedure.
Since root canal procedures can significantly alleviate your pain, save your natural tooth, and prevent the development of other dental complications, it is worth and often necessary to undergo the treatment.
Nowadays, Root Canal Treatment NSW is more effective and painless, so you can preserve your beautiful and healthy teeth for years.
If you think that you require root canal therapy, see them as soon as possible to treat the problem and maintain oral health.
