ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
A root canal treatment is a dental procedure in which infected pulp tissue is removed by drilling into the decayed tooth. Further the canal is properly cleaned and disinfected to avoid reinfection. The pulp tissue is a soft tissue containing nerves and blood supply & connective tissue. Later crown replacement is done for proper occlusion and chewing.
About
WHO NEEDS ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?
Generally root canal treatment is advised when the pulp of a tooth is damaged or infected. It is also needed when the tooth is having a crack or deep cavity or have any issues from previous tooth filling.
Patients usually need root canal treatment when they notice their teeth are sensitive to hot or cold stimuli.
THERE ARE FEW SYMPTOMS THAT MEAN YOU MIGHT NEED A ROOT CANAL-
Severe pain while chewing or biting.
Any elevation on the gum near root tip.
A cracked tooth.
Sensitivity to hot or cold stimuli.
Any gum swelling.
Deep cavity of the tooth.
THE BENEFITS OF ROOT CANAL TREATMENT:
The benefit which inspires to do root canal is that you can save your natural tooth. Even though your teeth is damged from inside but through root canal it can be saved. So you can chew normally as before and even you have the confidence that you still have your tooth. Compared to other dental treatments like tooth extraction root canal is less painful and sometime completely pain free due to local anasthesia which is used to numb the area. Even root canal treatment is very much cost effective compared to dentures & implants.
WHAT HAPPENS IF TOOTH REMAINS UNTREATED:
If there are benefits than there are dangers too if untreated.
When the tooth remains untreated it will cause reinfection which will eventually cause tooth abscess (when bacteria enters the pulp chamber & multiplies)
The tooth abscess can result into severe pain and swelling filled with pus and dead tissue debris.
Even sometimes the untreated tooth become necrotic and it becomes discoloured.
If the tooth requires root canal it should be done orelse the infection will be further spreaded and tooth extraction will be required later.
About
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A ROOT CANAL PROCEDURE?
When patient visits dentist xray is taken of the relevant tooth to confirm the infected tooth.
Usually root canal is done in 3 steps & it takes between 1 and 3 sessions to complete.
1. CLEANING THE ROOT CANAL
First the dentist gives local anasthesia to numb the area following which a small access hole on the tooth surface is done to remove the diseased & dead pulp tissue with very small files.
2. FILLING THE ROOT CANAL
Next, the dentist cleans,shapes and decontaminates the hollow area using small files & irrigation solutions. Then the tooth is filled with rubber like material called guttea percha, using an adhesive cement to seal the canals completely.
3. ADDING A FILLING OR CROWN
After root canal is done the tooth becomes fragile as it is without pulp tissue & blood supply so it is given permanent filling followed by crown. So patient can continue chewing like before.
PREVENTION:
To prevent tooth decay, gum diseases,infections dentists recommend:
Brush twice daily. After waking up and before going to bed at night.
Use soft bristle tooth brush and replace it in 3 months.
Flossing daily to prevent plaque development.
Avoiding sugary drinks and foods.
Having a balanced diet
Visiting dentist once in every 6 months.
