About Root Canal Treatment
In a root canal treatment, an infected, inflamed, or necrotic pulp is removed and the remaining space is filled with an inert material. The goal of root canal treatment is to keep the tooth in the mouth rather than extracting it. During a root canal or endodontic procedure, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, then filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha and sealed. The tooth is then restored with a crown or filling to protect it.
When the pulp of the tooth is damaged, it breaks down. Then the bacteria in the pulp begin to multiply. Bacteria and decayed deposits cause dental infections or abscesses. An abscess occurs when the infection spreads to the ends of the roots of the tooth.
It is a dental procedure used to treat infection or damage inside a tooth by cleaning and disinfecting the roots and then sealing them to prevent future infection.
The signs include:
- excessive tooth ache
- excessive sensitivity to hot and cold
- tooth fracture
No, root canal treatment is a procedure performed under anesthesia (which numbs the area around the affected tooth).
After root canal treatment some soreness or mild discomfort is common which is usually managed with over the counter pain medicine.
Yes, because after treatment tooth become weaker and can break easily . so, to provide strength and support to remaining tooth filling is necessary.
Yes, crown helps to protect the tooth , restores its strength and prevent future damage to the tooth.
If you don’t get the root canal treatment done then several issues can arise:
- Increase in pain and sensitivity.
- spread of infection in surrounding tissues from infected tooth.
- tooth loss can happen eventually.
- bone damage due to infection spread etc.
Treatment visits may vary from single sitting to 2 to 3 sittings depending on the infection.
It is advised to wait until the numbness wears off. Initially you should eat soft food and avoid chewing from the treated side.
A treated tooth can last very long with proper care although it may require further maintenance and follow checkups.
