Root canal procedures aim to eliminate the bacteria from the infected root of the tooth, prevent its reinfection, and, as a result, save the natural tooth. The pulp chamber, which is the hollow part of the tooth, contains the pulp, a soft substance comprising nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. A tooth can survive without the pulp as it continues to receive nourishment from the surrounding tissues. This procedure involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp, and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned, disinfected, filling with a medicated substance, and sealed. This process is relatively painless and effective.
When is a Root Canal Treatment necessary?
The following signs may indicate when a root canal treatment is required:
- A person suffers from a severe toothache while eating food.
- Discoloration of the tooth occurs.
- The gums swell and become tender.
- Gums have recurring pimples.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
What are the steps included in Root Canal Therapy?
- First, you need to consult a dentist to determine if you could save your tooth with a root canal procedure. After a thorough examination and a conclusion has been reached that a root canal can help save the tooth, x-rays are taken to see the shape of the root canals and the extent of infection in the surrounding bones. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area around the tooth as it relaxes the patient.
- Next, a sheet of rubber is placed around the tooth to keep it dry during the procedure. A hole is drilled into the affected tooth, and the pulp containing the bacteria is removed using root canal files. Once the tooth is cleaned of all the debris, it is filled with a medicated material and sealed. A few days of healing period is required for the tooth after the treatment.
- The final step involves the further restoration of the tooth. The tooth which has been treated needs to be covered with a crown to protect it, prevent it from breaking, and restoring its function.
What are the merits of Root Canal Treatment?
- A decaying tooth having dental caries can cause unbearable pain. A person will not function normally, and a root canal will give relief from pain and saves the decayed tooth from extraction.
- A root canal procedure will help you save on costs as tooth replacement procedures can be a costly affair.
- This treatment helps prevent the extraction of a tooth. After removing the pulp, the tooth may no longer be vital, but it remains in the mouth, maintaining the teeth' alignment.
- When a tooth is extracted, a lot of variations take place in the mouth. The teeth may start drifting and shifting and disrupt their alignment. The opposing teeth may supra erupt, leading to changes in the bite causing occlusion problems or even TMJ disorders.
Is Root Canal Treatment painful?
A root canal causes as much stress as other procedures, such as removing a wisdom tooth or a filling. It is carried out under local anesthesia, and one feels a bit sore or numb after the procedure. There could be mild discomfort for a day or two.
Call us at West Valley Natural Dentistry or schedule an online appointment to know more about Root Canal Treatment.
