Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a straightforward dental procedure performed by endodontists. It aims to remove infection and damaged nerves from the pulp of a tooth, relieving dental pain caused by irreversible pulpitis. This treatment is crucial for saving severely infected teeth and is typically not performed by general dentists.
You might have heard that endodontic therapy, also known as root canal treatment, is really painful and costly. However, the cost of this endodontics procedure varies depending on certain factors. The procedure is still less costly than having a tooth removed and replaced with an implant or bridge. So, in this article, we are going to look at some common questions on what endodontic therapy is, why it is needed, who performs the treatment (an endodontist), and how it’s done.
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal, also known as endodontic treatment or therapy, is a procedure performed by an endodontist. It involves removing the nerve tissue, blood vessels, and other living tissues from the hollow section, or root canal, of a tooth. This helps to alleviate pain and save the tooth from extraction. The crown, the visible part of the tooth above the gum line, is securely attached to the roots, which are embedded in the gums and jaw bones.
The root canal also known as pulp, contains the living parts of the tooth, it is found at the core of the tooth after the dentin. In most cases, the living parts of the pulp might get infected, or abscessed, when decay progresses into the tooth pulp. The presence of infection inside the root canal can lead to pain and swelling, eventually it will result to tooth death. Root canal treatment is usually recommended when there is an infection deep within the tooth. The procedure involves the removal of infectious microorganisms and dying or dead tissue from inside the tooth.
Who can perform root canal treatment?
A root canal therapy can be performed by a general dentist or by an endodontist. In dentistry, an endodontist or a general dentist, are special type of dentists that have received advanced training and specializes in care of tooth’s inside contents. (1) It’s not all type of dentists that can perform a root canal treatment. Dentists that didn’t receive some special training in endodontics during their studies are not eligible for the procedure.
When is root canal treatment is needed?
A root canal treatment is usually recommended or needed when there is an infection or injury deep within the tooth due to dental trauma or a severe, untreated cavity. Unlike most other body tissues, the living parts of the pulp cannot heal themselves after sustaining an injury or decay. Root canal therapy can be helpful when it comes to saving the tooth and eliminating the pain and discomforts.
Without proper treatment, infection from dying or decaying tooth nerves and blood vessels will spread to the bones and other surrounding healthy tissues. Eventually, after more time passes without treatments, the infection will weaken the bone, causing the ligaments around the tooth to swell. This can make the tooth to become loose and fall out in severe cases.
Is root canal treatment painful?
Well, the root canal therapy should be relatively painless since its carried out by a trained dental surgeon. Although, most patients fear that this type of endodontic therapy will cause excruciating pain and discomforts. The main aim of the root canal procedure is to alleviate pain and not to cause pain. Before the procedure, the dentist may prescribe an antibiotic to treat or prevent infection in the infected tooth.
Also, the endodontist will numb the tooth and surrounding area with local anesthesia during root canal therapy, ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure. After endodontic therapy, it is normal to experience minor pain and discomfort, which can be managed with suitable over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication.
How is a root canal treatment done?
Like I said earlier, you won’t feel any serious pain resulting from the treatment. Before the treatment the dentist will have to explain some few things about the procedure. There are necessary clinical steps that the dentist. must follow during the treatment. (2) Sometimes it takes between one and three sessions to complete the treatment fully well. Here is what you should expect :
1. On your first visit to the endodontist, they will administer local anesthesia to numb the dental pulp and the surrounding areas. The endodontist will ensure your comfort throughout the endodontic treatment. The application of anesthesia guarantees a painless endodontic therapy.
After numbing the tooth, the dentist will perform a root canal procedure by drilling a small access hole on the tooth’s surface. This allows the dentist to reach the damaged and diseased pulp within the tooth. Using small files, the dentist will remove the damaged and diseased pulp during the endodontic treatment. Additionally, an antimicrobial solution may be added to the pulp cavity to eliminate any remaining bacteria and prevent further infection during root canal therapy.
3. After thorough cleaning, the empty pulp chamber is filled with rubber-like material called gutta percha. The opening in your tooth’s surface will also be sealed off with a temporary filling,while you wait for a permanent crown.
4. After some few weeks, your permanent dental crown should be ready. Once it’s ready your dentist will finish the treatment by placing a permanent crown over the tooth.
Richard Smith is a Registered Nutritionist and also a Health Speaker. Richard Smith graduated from The City University of New York. You can learn more about him by Visiting His LinkedIn Page or Follow him on Twitter.
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