What is a root canal?
The root canal is a treatment that is performed on your teeth. Root canal treatment is suggested when the centre part of the teeth, called the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected due to bacterial infection.
The pulp that is in the centre of the teeth holds the nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues.
The root canal is performed to stop the spread of infection to other healthy teeth. Root canal treatment prevents the tooth from going into extraction. It will be performed by a root canal specialist or an endodontist.
Some common causes of tooth damage are when the teeth are affected by any cavity, injury which causes a crack in the teeth, cavity that causes infection, gum diseases and repeated dental procedures.
These damages to the teeth can cause the pulp to inflame and can cause agonising pain. This pain can be relieved with root canal treatment.
Pulp which contains the nerve supply of the tooth is extripated and hence the tooth loses its vitality. So, the teeth die internally. The pain can resume if there is an infection.
To avoid any major procedures, it is advisable to consult a general dentist if there is any pain or sensitivity in your teeth.
Root canal process
The process of a root canal can be fully completed with 2–3 sittings depending on the infection. Each sitting usually takes about 30–60 minutes. The root canal treatment procedure is briefed below.
Anaesthesia
The pain during a root canal treatment can be enormous. So local anaesthesia will be administered to numb the surrounding area. The anaesthesia will cover a wide area.
Dental dam placement
A dental dam is placed between the teeth. This helps isolate the damaged tooth from other teeth and keeps your mouth dry during the procedure.
Access hole
With the help of dental tools, the endodontist will drill and make a hole in the crown of the teeth to access the pulp inside the teeth.
If the front teeth are damaged or infected, the endodontist will drill from behind.
Pulp removal
Pulp extripation is done with specialized instrument called as files or broaches. You will not feel any pain as local anaesthesia is administered.
Shaping the canals
After the removal of infected and damaged pulp, the canals will be disinfected using a disinfectant.
After the process of disinfection, the canal is shaped with dental instruments and will be filled with dental cement and sealed.
The irrigation method is used to clean while shaping the canal. This will help to remove any debris that is left behind.
Filling the canals
After cleaning, the canals are filled with dental cement called gutta-percha.
Sealing the tooth
The teeth will be sealed with dental cement, and a temporary crown will be placed. This cover will help to protect the shaped teeth until a final restoration of teeth-like material is placed.
Placing the final restoration
The root canal treatment is completed by placing a final restoration in the prepared cavity, followed by which a final crown is fabricated to avoid fracture of tooth and the crown is cemented so that it never gets displaced.
However, further dentists visit is required to check if there is any dislocation or bleeding from the treated teeth.
Causes of an abscessed tooth
A tooth abscess causes pus which forms as a pocket in your gums. The abscess can be caused due to a bacterial infection and can form near any area of the teeth.
The causes of tooth abscess are listed below.
Deep decay due to an untreated cavity
When the untreated tooth cavity decays, it is called a peripheral tooth abscess. A peripheral tooth abscess may be caused due to prior dental work, an injury or unhealthy brushing habits.
Multiple dental procedures on the same tooth
Multiple dental procedures on the same can lead to a tooth abscess. When your teeth are damaged or if you do not maintain proper oral hygiene, cavities may be caused. So dental procedures may be carried out to stop the spread of infection. This might also cause a tooth abscess.
A chip or crack in the tooth
A crack or a chip may be caused due to an injury. If it is left untreated, it might lead to tooth abscess.
An injury to the tooth
If left untreated, the tooth's injury may cause a tooth abscess.
Symptoms of an abscessed tooth
The symptoms of an abscessed tooth are listed below, and all these symptoms may also be caused due to a minor infection or other causes.
Tooth pain that doesn’t go away
When you have an abscessed tooth, you might experience severe pain. Even over-the-counter medication will not work for the pain.
Sensitivity to heat and cold
When you drink or eat anything hot or cold, you will experience a sharp, sensitive feeling. This might be a symptom of an abscessed tooth.
Swollen or pimple on the gums
An abscessed tooth will cause swollen gums, which will appear as a pimple on your gums.
Swollen jaw
If you have a severe tooth abscess, your jaw will swell. If you experience such symptoms, visit your dentist immediately.
Tooth discolouration
When you have an abscessed tooth, it might lead to tooth discolouration.
Pain when pressure is applied
When you touch your abscessed tooth, you will experience sharp pain.
Loose tooth
When your tooth has been severely damaged due to an infection or an injury, you will require a dental visit.
Procedure to follow after root canal
There are certain protocols to be followed after a root canal treatment.
Take all medications as prescribed
After the root canal treatment, your general dentist will prescribe some antibiotics and pain killer. These antibiotics will help with the bacterial infection that might cause an infection. So, do not skip these antibiotics.
Don’t smoke
After the root canal treatment, the local anaesthesia administered will make your mouth numb. So, avoid smoking for 48–72 hours.
Eat a healthy meal
After the root canal treatment, eat soft foods for two days. Do not drink anything too hot or cold. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth as it may fracture due to being brittle.
Risk factors of root canal
There are side effects and risk factors in all medical and dental procedures. The risk factors and complications of root canal treatment are listed.
Persistence of bacteria
The bacterial presence after the procedure can cause a failure of the root canal treatment. The bacterial presence can be seen near the tip of the tooth or around the tooth. This is the reason for being administered with antibiotics course after a root canal treatment.
Inadequate filling
Inadequate filling of the dental material can cause the failure of the root canal treatment.
Improper seal
After the root canal treatment, the final restoration should be sealed properly with appropriate material to prevent microleakage . This is important to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Broken instruments
If there is any breakage of the instrument, it can lead to the failure of the root canal.
Untreated canals
Sometimes, it can be difficult to clean a canal due to its placement. If the canals are not cleaned properly, it can lead to further complications like reinfection.
Preventions for root canal
Brush your teeth at least twice a day
Maintain proper oral hygiene. These hygienic habits should be taught and followed from childhood. Brush your teeth twice a day to avoid any build-up of germs in your mouth.
Floss between your teeth at least once a day
Floss your teeth once a day to remove any food particles getting stuck in between your teeth. These stuck food particles can lead to bacterial infection.
To avoid such infections, floss your teeth once a day. Also, be careful when you floss your teeth. You might damage your gums.
Use fluoride toothpaste or a fluoride rinse
Many dentists recommend to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. These can provide proper cleaning to your mouth. There are many types of mouthwash available to help with the cleaning process.
See your dentist for check-ups every six months
It is always safe to visit your dentist every six months. This will keep you aware of your oral health.
Have your teeth professionally cleaned by your dentist at least once a year
Get your teeth cleaned by a general dentist at least once a year. This will help to clean the teeth which your brush cannot reach.
What happens after a root canal?
After a root canal treatment, you might experience swelling or inflammation. The places that were numb by the administration of local anaesthesia will be back to senses, and you might feel pain.
The swelling and pain will set in after 2–3 days. If the pain does not settle in, consult your dentist.
When to see a doctor?
Do not wait till the last stage. If you feel any pain or sensitivity in your teeth, consult your dentist to avoid any major dental procedures.
