Root Canal
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure designed to treat infections or damage inside the tooth's pulp chamber, which houses the nerves and blood vessels of tooth. The tooth has roots embedded in jaw bone and has nerve and blood supply running in tooth to keep it alive is called pulp and pulp chamber is where this nerve supply ends in tooth crown part. The process typically involves several steps.
Firstly, the dentist numbs the affected tooth and surrounding area with a local anaesthetic to ensure the patient's comfort. Then, an access opening is created to reach the pulp chamber. The damaged or infected pulp is carefully removed, and the root canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to remove any remaining bacteria.
Once the canals are prepared, they are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to seal the space. The access opening is then sealed with a temporary or permanent filling.
In some cases, particularly for extensively damaged teeth, a crown may be recommended to provide additional support and restore the tooth's function and appearance.
Root canal treatment aims to save a severely damaged or infected tooth, alleviating pain and preventing the need for extraction. While the procedure has a reputation for causing discomfort, advancements in dental technology and anaesthesia make it a relatively painless and effective solution for preserving natural teeth. Root canal treatment is performed to save the damaged tooth when their pulp within the tooth becomes infected.
What causes infection?
- Decay on tooth which starts from enamel once it breached into next layer called dentine if still left untreated can infect the pulp and causes inflammation, this most common cause of infection.
- Trauma or an accidental and crack of tooth can also expose the pulp.
- Extensive restoration on tooth may involve the pulp.
- Severe gum disease my cause infection of root of tooth.
- Excessive wear of enamel and dentine exposing the pulp.
Signs of pulp damage may include:
- Pain
- Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold
- Discoloration of the tooth
- Swelling
Tenderness of the overlying gums or a bad taste in the mouth. On the other hand, there may be no symptoms at all. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can eventually cause pain, swelling and loss of the supporting bone.
Why do I need Root Canal treatment?
If the pulp is exposed and causes extreme dental pain and can lead various complications including infection, pain, swelling and gives you sleepless nights.
When do I need the root canal treratment?
We always advice to have a regular check up every six months with your dentist, the routine check-up will help to detect an early decay and repair the tooth. Your dentist is best to advise what treatment is required, some of the common signs are indications of root canal treatment-
- Sudden and prolonged pain or sensitivity to hot or cold.
- Tooth discolouration may indicate a trauma in past and caused the damage to pulp.
- Swelling of jaw
- Toothache giving sleepless night
- Bad taste or smell due to chronic infection and tooth has a big hole.
- Swelling and tenderness of gums.
Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?
Root canal treatment procedures are relatively comfortable and often painless as the tooth is anaesthetised during treatment. After treatment, the tooth may be sensitive or tender for a few days due to inflammation of the surrounding tissues. This discomfort can be relieved by taking mild analgesics or painkillers available over the counter at the pharmacy. However, if the pain persists and is severe, or a swelling occurs, you should contact your dentist.