Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure designed to remove infection from the inside of a tooth, preventing the need for tooth extraction and saving the natural tooth. The treatment involves removing the damaged area of the tooth (the pulp), cleaning and disinfecting it, and then filling and sealing it. The common misconception that root canal treatments are painful has changed with modern dentistry techniques, making it a relatively comfortable procedure.
Why Would You Need Root Canal Treatment?
You might need a root canal treatment if you have:
- Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure.
- Prolonged sensitivity/pain to heat or cold temperatures.
- Discoloration of the tooth.
- Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums.
- A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums.
These symptoms may indicate that the tooth pulp is infected or inflamed, necessitating root canal therapy to save the tooth and alleviate pain.
How Does Endodontic Treatment Save The Tooth?
Endodontic treatment saves the tooth by:
- Removing the infected or inflamed pulp from the interior of the tooth.
- Cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth to eliminate bacteria.
- Filling and sealing the cleaned cavity with a biocompatible material to prevent future infections.
- Restoring the tooth with a crown or filling for protection and to bring it back to full function.
By treating and preserving the tooth structure, endodontic treatment helps maintain the natural bite, prevents the shifting of surrounding teeth, and avoids the need for more extensive dental work in the future.
Who Does Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatments are typically performed by endodontists, dentists who specialize in treating the inside of the tooth. Endodontists complete additional training beyond dental school that focuses on diagnosing tooth pain and performing root canal treatment and other procedures related to the interior of the tooth. However, general dentists are also trained to perform root canal treatments and may do so, depending on the complexity of the case and their level of expertise.
What Happens During The Root Canal Procedure?
The root canal procedure involves several steps, usually completed over one or more visits:
- X-ray: To determine the extent of infection.
- Anesthesia: The area around the tooth is numbed to ensure comfort.
- Pulpectomy: An opening is made, and the diseased tooth pulp is removed.
- Cleaning: The canals are cleaned, enlarged, and shaped.
- Filling: The canals are filled with a permanent material.
- Sealing: The opening in the tooth is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling.
- Restoration: A crown or other restoration is placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.
What are the advantages of having a root canal procedure?
The advantages of having a root canal procedure include:
- Pain Relief: Eliminates the pain caused by the infected pulp.
- Tooth Preservation: Allows you to keep your natural tooth.
- Efficient and Cost-effective: Less expensive and less time-consuming than tooth extraction and replacement with a bridge or implant.
- Aesthetic: A crown or filling can restore the natural appearance of the tooth.
- Improved Oral Health: Removes the infection, preventing it from spreading to other teeth or into the jawbone.
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