Germs can infiltrate the pulp of a tooth, which then results in an infection. When this happens, the only way to preserve the tooth is to undergo a process known as root canal treatment. During this process, the diseased pulp is extracted, and then the tooth is sealed so that it will not get infected again.
What Is The Root Canal Procedure?
When the pulp of a tooth, which contains the blood vessels, nerves, and live connective tissue, becomes infected or inflamed, root canal therapy or endodontic therapy is required. Root canal surgery is done instead of extraction to salvage a severely damaged or diseased tooth. This operation carry out by an endodontist or an expert in root canals.
The most frequent causes of tooth damage or infection include cavities caused by plaque buildup, fractured or broken teeth resulting from accidents or trauma, gum diseases, and repeated dental procedures on the same tooth.
These conditions may induce pulp inflammation, infection, and irreparable pulp damage. The individual will sometimes endure extreme discomfort. When the pulp dries, the discomfort may diminish, but it often returns as the infection grows. If you are experiencing toothache or gum discomfort, you should see general dentistry immediately.
Indications for Root Canal Procedure
The root canal treatment method is a viable option with several potential advantages for individuals with severe inflammation or infection of the tooth pulp. Without treatment, the infection may cause substantial discomfort or lead to the creation of an abscess below the tooth. Which compromises the tooth’s strength and function.
Root canal therapy may preserve the functionality of teeth, allowing patients to continue to chew successfully with normal biting power. In contrast to other methods like dental implants, it also helps to preserve the natural aesthetic aspect of the tooth.
In addition, root canal therapy helps protect other teeth in the mouth from excessive strain and potential injury. Which can occur when just one side of the mouth use.
Procedure for a Root Canal in Detail
The first phase of root canal therapy is an examination of the tooth so that the dentist may determine the extent of the disease and provide appropriate treatment. In addition to a physical examination of the interior of the mouth, X-ray imaging of the tooth often use to see the pulp chamber.
Molar Root Canal: From Beginning to End
- A local anaesthetic is then provided to numb the tooth and boost the patient’s comfort during the process. A “dental dam” is then placed over the afflicted region to isolate the tooth and keep saliva and other fluids away from it while the procedure is performed.
- The dentist might then drill through the tooth’s crown to expose the pulp. This permits the insertion of specialist dental devices into the pulp chamber and root canals to clean the inflamed or diseased pulp. The residual area is then thoroughly cleaned and shaped to create room for a filling, which will replace the tooth’s pulp.
- The root canal can subsequently fill with a biocompatible substance like gutta-percha. Typically, dental cement is used to guarantee that the root canal is correctly sealed and to avoid future infections.
- A temporary filling is often placed over the root canal’s entrance once it has been filled.
- Eventually, a crown is put over the tooth to provide long-term protection, although there is often a delay between dental treatments while the crown is fabricated. During this period, a temporary replacement is helpful.
- The temporary filling removes during a future dental visit, and the tooth can repair with a crown or other treatment.
How Much Time Does A Root Canal Require?
Depending on how bad the infection is in your tooth, your root canal procedure can require one or two visits. On average, it takes between 30 and 60 minutes to perform a root canal. It might take up to an hour and a half to treat bigger teeth with many roots.
Are Root Canals Painful?
The general dentistry procedures utilized to conduct a root canal have advanced considerably during the last few decades. As a consequence, the majority of patients are now quite comfortable and do not feel substantial discomfort throughout surgical procedures.
Many individuals worry that they may have dental discomfort following root canal treatment. However, since the source of infection eliminates during therapy, the majority of patients have quick remission. After a root canal, if you are feeling throbbing pain, contact your healthcare physician immediately who will utilize general dentistry services to alleviate pain.
What Should I Anticipate After A Root Canal?
Although you shouldn’t have substantial pain after a root canal, you may experience sensitivity for a few days. These symptoms are typical and may handle well with a prescription or over-the-counter painkillers. In the majority of cases, negative effects diminish after one to two weeks.
Who Should Do My Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal therapy performs by either a conventional dentist or an endodontist (a root canal specialist) in general dentistry. Since teeth towards the front of the mouth have fewer roots, general dentists may typically fix them. If you need root canal treatment on a tooth with many roots. Or if your situation is very complicated, you may send it to an endodontist.
What If My Root Canal Treatment Fails?
If the root canal fails, your healthcare professional will discuss other treatment choices with you. In rare instances, a second root canal procedure may be feasible.
Alternatively, it may be time to consider other techniques.
What Alternatives Exist To Root Canal Therapy?
Tooth extraction is the sole option to root canal treatment. Even though it is preferable to keep natural teeth whenever feasible, tooth extraction may be essential to maintain oral health.
If root canal therapy is not an option, the tooth may remove and replace with a dental implant, dental bridge, or partial. To learn more about root canal treatment cost vs tooth extraction, contact our practice in Cardiff today.
