What is a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal is the space found inside the tooth that travels from the pulp chamber down to the tips of the root or apex. Depending on its anatomy, a tooth can have a single or four root canals. Added to that, an extra canal can even branch out forming what is commonly called an accessory canal.
When a tooth gets injured or badly decayed, a root canal treatment would be necessary in order to save it. During this procedure, the pulp and nerve are removed and the interior of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and permanently sealed.
What are the Common Reasons for a Root Canal Treatment?
A lot of things can warrant a root canal treatment. If the nerve experiences trauma, a root canal therapy would be necessary. Here are common reasons for a root canal treatment:
- When tooth decay becomes so severe that it penetrates through the enamel and eventually the dentin and through the pulp
- When the tooth becomes abscessed
- When the tooth is subjected to extreme trauma that the nerves are exposed
- When the tooth is aging or is past trauma that it slowly dies
What Can You Expect from a Root Canal Treatment?
In most cases, a root canal requires more than one visit to the dentist. During these visits, the procedure will be discussed and you will be given a choice as to who will perform the operation; a dentist or an endodontist. Your choice will depend on the level of difficulty of the operation and the level of confidence of the person performing the job. Your dentist will advice you on this matter.
The first thing that needs to be done is to take an X-ray so that the condition of the tooth and degree of damage to the surrounding bone is accessed. Next, the gums are numbed with local anesthesia so that the patient is more relaxed during the procedure.
When your gums are numbed down, the dentist will begin the procedure by drilling through the tooth down to the pulp chamber, the place where you can find the nerve of the tooth. The nerve will then be removed along with any infected tissues. With the use of files attached to a rotary instrument, the dentist will see to it that all the nerves are removed so that further re-infection of the tooth will be avoided. This is the reason why root canal procedure takes too long.
When the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, the dentist will dry it will absorbent paper and place a rubber material to seal it. The dentist will then decide to put in a temporary filling or a permanent one on the tooth. Since there is no more blood circulation in the tooth, it will become brittle over time. To prevent it from cracking, it is recommended that you have a crown place on it.
These are some of the things need to know about root canal procedure. For detailed information, get in touch with us.