Root Canal Treatment
What are Root Canals?
Root canals are the natural cavity within the center of every tooth. There is the soft area (pulp) inside these root canals and tooth’s nerve lies within these, which gives the sensation of hotness and chillness.
When the pulp or nerve is affected by bacteria or other conditions, the tooth breaks down and the infection begins to spread. This condition could turn severe also causing abscess (pus) filled pockets to form at the root-ends, swelling in teeth and other parts, bone loss, drainage, etc. Once your root canals get affected by one of the above causative pathogens or mechanisms, there will be several signs and symptoms popping up which will severely impair your day to day activities.
How will you present?
- Tenderness (pain on touching or palpating), sensitivity to percussion (tapping on the tooth) with or without pain.
- A certain amount of pain associated with swelling.
- Persistent gum boilscloser to the infected area which might show up with a bad taste or an odor.
However, these signs and symptoms may vary depending on how severe your condition is and it is always better to seek medical advice at the very first moment you find any hint towards the condition. Keeping your teeth and every tiny part, related to them is highly critical since the functioning of your entire digestive system depend on how efficient your teeth are. Once you are affected by a fore mentioned infected root canal problem, you will find it hard to bite food which will eventually result in a negative consequence on your overall health.
How useful is a Root Canal Treatment?
Latest advances in medical technology have introduced numerous ways of treating infected Root canals.
Also known as ‘Endodontic therapy’, this treatment is primarily to repair the decayed tooth and save it without further decaying or falling off. During a root canal treatment, the infected pulp or nerve is taken out, the tooth cavity is cleaned and sealed. This treatment saves the tooth without further breaking and reduces complications. Traditionally, a decayed tooth was removed out and thanks to the advanced root canal treatment method that does not require tooth removal, instead a successful repair.
How are the Root Canal Treatments performed?
Your dentist will initially require several x-rays to study the position of the teeth and its roots. He will explain you the whole process before starting the treatment and you can also clear any doubts you have regarding the treatment.
Step 1 – A local anesthesia is used to numb the tooth.
Step 2 – An opening is made on the tooth using a small drill to access the pulp or nerve.
Step 3 – The infected and damaged pulp or nerve is removed out and the infection is cleaned to kill the bacteria and germs.
Step 4 – The empty inner cavity of the tooth is shaped up to make a filling inside.
Step 5 – The space is filled up using a rubber-like substance (guttapercha) and the tooth opening is sealed using a temporary filling.
Step 6 – After a few weeks, the temporary filling is removed, and cavity is cleaned again to make another restoration depending on the condition of your natural tooth.
Step 7 – A permanent filling or a ceramic or porcelain crown is usually placed over the tooth and sealed as the final stage.
How long does it take for a complete Root Canal Treatment?
Generally, a root canal treatment cannot be completed on a single day. As explained, it is a step by step process that requires several visits to your dentist for a smooth and successful treatment. The initial treatment might take about 30-60 minutes and you may have to visit for another 3-4 times your dentist and this would only take about 15 minutes during each visit. A complete root canal treatment is expected to take about 1 – 1 ½ months.
Is the Root Canal Treatment painful?
The treatment is done under local anesthesia and the numbness on the tooth does not let you feel any pain during the procedure. After the procedure, slight tenderness or discomfort will persist for few days, which will gradually reduce over time.
How successful are the Root Canal Treatments?
The advanced root canal treatments are highly successful and researches show the success rate is about 95%. The repaired tooth functions exactly similar to the natural ones and it gives visible changes in speaking and chewing foods easily. Many repaired teeth by root canal treatments last for lifetime, without any troubles. Occasionally, the treatment may have to be corrected or repeated. Your commitment to take care of your teeth and gums after the treatment ensures long-lasting effectiveness. Regular check-ups and keeping the teeth clean are vitally important.
Are there possible complications from the treatment?
Complications are uncommon with a root canal treatment by an experienced dentist. Rare complications could be an improperly cleanedroot canal, an undetected root crack, inadequate restoration, or a breakdown of inner sealing material.
Will a repaired tooth be noticeable?
Mostly, a restoration is undetectable and the repaired tooth appears exactly similar to other teeth. True that in past root-filled tooth appears slightly discolored, however with the advanced root canal treatments no visible differencesare seen with other teeth. Even if there is a discoloration, if can be corrected and several techniques are there to restore the natural color.
Is a Root Canal Treatment completely safe?
Some people are worried about the filling with an external substance. They fear as it might mix with the saliva or food we bite with that tooth. It is just a meaningless fear and they are completely safe; instead living with the infection and decayed tooth is dangerous.
Are you still hesitant to make an appointment for a Root Canal Treatment?
The procedure is totally painless, performed by experienced dentists who have hands-on experience in performing many successful treatments, advanced root canal techniques are used at clinics and a treatment is very cost effective and highly successful.