Root canal, often specified as endodontic treatment, is a procedure carried out in the pulp of the tooth, which is a hollow section containing blood vessels and nerve tissues. This dental procedure involves eliminating the infection from inside the tooth by removing the inflamed or dead nerve tissue. Once the pulp is cleaned and disinfected, it is later filled and sealed to insulate the tooth from any further infections.
There are some distinct prevailing reasons that can lead to tooth damage, which include cavities, gum diseases, leaky fillings, multiple dental procedures in a particular tooth, or an injured tooth, which could be a result of trauma or an accident. Such issues can cause inflammation in the pulp if it is infected by bacteria, which leads to harrowing and unbearable pain.
● Intense sensitivity to hot or cold liquids and foods, which can last a few minutes or hours.
● Sharp pain while chewing.
● Toothache, which can be felt in the ear or cause headache.
● Swelling in the gums, around the face and neck.
● Discoloration or darkening of the tooth and gums.
Contrary to the old sayings, a root canal treatment is rather easy and painless these days. Depending on the condition of your tooth, the entire procedure can be carried out in either one or two appointments.
In order to confirm that the tooth indeed needs root canal therapy, we would first take a radiograph using X-rays. Once the treatment is done, we will numb the tooth by administering local anesthesia.
When the tooth becomes numb, we would make an opening on the surface of the dental crown of the tooth and clean the pulp with very small instruments. Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and shaped, we would fill the canal with a rubber-like biocompatible material and seal it with adhesive cement. After the procedure is completed, the tooth would need complete restoration. As the tooth would be frail, it would be capped with a crown to protect it from any damage and restore it to full function again.
