What Happens in Root Canal Treatment?

Why do you need a Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal, or endodontic therapy, refers to a dental process designed to treat infections or inflammation in the pulp, which is the innermost part of the tooth. This treatment helps to preserve natural teeth. Root canal therapy is generally painless and highly effective.

Understanding the Need for a Root Canal

The tooth's pulp is packed with nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. If it gets infected or inflamed because of decay, cracks or trauma, you might experience severe pain and the risk of abscesses. In such situations, getting a root canal might be needed to eliminate the infected tissue and prevent further complications.

Overview of Root Canal Treatment

The dentist performs multiple steps in the root canal procedure to determine whether the tooth pulp is dead, infected, or inflamed to confirm if a root canal is required. Let's dive deep into the complete root canal procedure:

Diagnosis and Preparation

Here are a few steps a dentist will take before a root canal procedure:

• Tests should be conducted to understand the health of the tooth pulp, such as tapping the tooth and checking sensitivity to hot and cold.
• Do an electric pulp test (EPT) by using a device which sends an electric current through that tooth.
• Notice any signs of swelling gums or bone around that tooth.

Anesthesia

Local anaesthesia helps to numb the affected tooth and its surrounding area. This ensures that the patient does not feel pain during the procedure. If the patient feels anxious, the dentist may give medication to help the patient relax. After that, the dentist uses a dental dam to keep the tooth dry.

Accessing Pulp Chamber

Dentist drills a small hole through the crown of the tooth to reach infected pulp. This allows dentists to clean out the infected or dead pulp inside the chamber and root canals. They perform this procedure with precision to avoid damaging healthy tooth structure.

Removing Infected Pulp

The dentist carefully removes infected pulp tissue. This process involves removing tissue from the central pulp chamber. This step is important to stop the spread of infection and eliminate the source of pain.

If a patient has a dental abscess, the dentist removes the pus-filled swelling during the procedure.

Cleaning and Shaping Root Canals

Once the dentist removes that infected tissue, they thoroughly clean the empty canal. Dentists use increasingly larger files to shape the canals, which allows them to be filled more effectively. This process also involves smoothing those canal walls and ensuring that no bacteria or pulp remains.

Dentists use advanced tools to enhance precision. This shaping process is important for the success of the root canal treatment.

Filling the Canals

After dentist fully cleans and dries the canal then the dentist fills it with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Dentists use this biocompatible material in combination with adhesive cement to fully seal the root canals and prevent bacterial contamination.

The tooth becomes dead after root canal therapy, and patients will feel no pain in that tooth.

Sealing the Tooth

The access opening made in that tooth is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling. In most cases, a crown is recommended as a final procedure to provide long-term protection. A crown helps to restore normal chewing function.

If a temporary filling is done, then that patient will need to visit for a follow-up appointment to place the permanent crown. The dentist will give instructions for care and schedule future check-ups to monitor the tooth.

Recovery and Aftercare

After a root canal method, it is normal to feel some sensitivity or discomfort for a few days. Dentists suggest over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any pain. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and visit for follow-up appointments to heal properly after the root canal treatment.

Also Read:

→ What is the Average Cost of a Root Canal Treatment

→ What are the Negatives of a Root Canal

→ Can I Eat After a Root Canal