What is Root Canal Treatment?
The root canal is the hollow section of the tooth that encompasses the blood vessels, nerve tissue and other cells, which is also called the pulp. A tooth is made of two parts: the crown and the root. The part above the gum is called the crown, and the part below the gum is the root. The root is responsible for attaching the tooth to the jawbone.
Inside the root canal is the pulp. Pulp plays a major role in having a healthy tooth as it nourishes and provides moisture to the material surrounding it. The nerves around the pulp are sensitive and sense cold and hot temperatures as pain.
The common term' root canal' is an endodontic therapy that actually means inside the tooth.
When is a Root Canal Treatment Required?
When there is a cracked tooth, loose filling or a deep cavity, bacteria have ways of entering the pulp. When the pulp is diseased or injured, the tissue dies as it cannot be repaired. Eventually, the bacteria gets to the pulp and destroys it. It can cause a bone infection if it penetrates through the root openings.
An infection in the bone means weakening and breaking down of the bone. The tooth becomes loose as the ligament around the tooth swells. High and low temperatures will make the tooth very sensitive when one has a pulp injury. Some individuals may have continuous throbbing pain, while some may have pain while chewing.
Eventually, without treatment, the tooth will become loose and need extracting when the infection spreads. If the tooth hurts a lot or cannot be restored, some individuals opt for extraction. However, removing the teeth also comes with complications, as the surrounding teeth may start to move and become crooked. This might affect the biting and might not look pleasing.
The first best option is to save the natural tooth, but if it cannot be saved, then the next best thing is an implant.
Step By Step Procedure
Once you visit the dentist for your appointment, the technician will help you settle in the chair and place a bib around your neck to avoid staining your clothes. Let's look at the step-by-step procedure for how the root canal is performed.
Step 1: On the gum near the affected tooth, the dentist places a small amount of numbing cream. After the numbing cream starts to take effect, a local anaesthetic is injected into the gums. One may feel a burning sensation or sharp pain, but it should pass quickly. Since it is local anesthesia the individual wont feel any pain but will be awake throughout the procedure.
Step 2: Once the anaesthesia takes effect, the endodontist or general dentist makes a small cut on top of the affected tooth. When the damaged pulp is visible, the specialist removes it with a tool called files. All the pathways or canals in the tooth are carefully cleaned out.
Step 3: After the pulp is removed, to prevent reinfection, the dentist coats the area with topical antibiotics. After the cleaning and disinfection are done, it is time to fill and seal the tooth using a sealer paste and gutta-percha (a rubber-like material). Temporary antibiotics may also be prescribed.
Step 4: The dentist then finishes the procedure by filling the opening on top of the tooth with a temporary, soft material which prevents the canals from being damaged by saliva.
Tips for Recovery
You can help the damage done to the tooth and gums during a root canal using the following ways:
- Avoid smoking till the tooth completely heals after the root canal procedure.
- Use antibacterial mouthwash to keep germs away.
- For the first few days, have soft foods.
- Brush and floss after every meal.
- Till the fitting of the permanent crown, do not chew on the tooth that is treated.
Prevention
- Dental diseases and tooth decay can be prevented in the following ways,
- Using the right toothbrush and replacing it regularly
- Brushing at least twice a day, preferably in the morning and before bedtime
- Preventing the buildup of plaque by flossing regularly
- Brushing with toothpaste containing fluoride
- Following a healthy diet and avoiding sugary drinks
- Scheduling regular dental cleanings and checkups
Conclusion
Root canal is the treatment of the tooth pulp, the innermost layer of the teeth. Root canals are painless compared to their alternatives like replacing a tooth with a dental implant, extraction of a tooth, no further treatment, bridge or removable partial denture. Root canals can be avoided if one regularly brushes, flosses and gets regular dental checkups done.
