Root canal treatment involves removing diseased or damaged nerve tissue from inside the tooth. It has been used successfully over thousands of years for pain relief and prevention of infection. However, not everyone needs root canal treatment. What do you know about root canal treatments?
What is a root canal?
A tooth is composed of a crown and roots. The crown portion is the one that is visible in the oral cavity. While the root portion embeds within the bone. Root canals are narrow channels that form the inner structure of a tooth crown and root. These canals contain nerves and vessels that are collectively called the pulp. The pulp is responsible for perceiving hot and cold temperatures and pain sensations.
There was a time when teeth were extracted solely because of pulp diseases. But today, they are being preserved by endodontic or root canal treatment. Root canal treatment is related to a branch of dentistry known as endodontic dentistry. It deals with the conservation of natural tooth structure by removing the infected pulp tissues from the root canals, cleaning and shaping the root canals, and then placing a root canal filling material. All steps involved in the procedure also aim to prevent a tooth from reinfection.
What are the indications of root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is advisable in the following cases.
- Partial pulp infection (a part of the pulp is infected)
- Total pulp infection (entire pulp is infected)
- Irreversible pulpal inflammation
How to know if you need a root canal procedure?
In cases of trauma resulting in a cracked tooth, fillings, and deep cavities, you might need a root canal. Symptoms that indicate the need for having root canal treatment. They are;
- Pus-filled blisters on gums
- Terrible pain on biting or chewing
- Pulsating pain in the tooth
- Sensitivity to high and low temperatures
- Constant sensitivity to hot and cold (even after the removal of stimulus)
- Blackening of gums
- Swollen gums
- Painful gums
What are the steps involved?
- Cleaning of the root canals- Firstly, the dentist uses an electric drill (known as a handpiece) to make a tiny opening on the biting surface of a tooth. Through this hole, instruments known as endodontic files) are introduced into the canals to remove the infected pulp. Root canals are then washed (with irrigation solutions) and dried.
- Filling the canals- Root canal filling material (called gutta-percha) is placed into the root canals. Each gutta-percha point is coated with cement and condensed to seal the canal space perfectly.
- Covering the tooth with a restoration- After filling the canals, the next step is to provide a temporary filling material to close the access opening. The patient is sent back and the next appointment is scheduled after a gap of 4-5 days. That is to see the outcome of the treatment. If the patient remains pain-free during this time, the dentist proceeds with the last step which is crown insertion over the tooth. This completes the treatment process.
Leaving a root canal-treated tooth uncovered can result in tooth fracture as it has already become brittle.
How painful is the root canal procedure?
Fear of pain during a dental procedure is one of the major concerns of patients. Before starting the treatment, the patient is given local anesthesia to numb the tooth and the surrounding area.
The procedure itself should be painless. Little discomfort or tenderness after the treatment as usual. Pain medication is given to provide relief during this period. Sometimes, antibiotics are prescribed to prevent future infections. However, it is advised to visit the dentist if there is a rise in pain intensity.
Can an infected root canal heal itself?
The answer to this is no. A root canal that contains infected pulp cannot heal on its own even if the condition is painless. The problem will only get worsened if left untreated. Therefore, root canal treatment is necessary to remove all the infected pulp tissues. It stops the disease process and helps to save the natural tooth.
