Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure that involves removing infected or damaged pulp from the innermost part of a tooth to prevent further damage or the need for extraction.
The pulp is a soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels and can become infected due to decay, trauma, or a deep filling. Symptoms may include pain, sensitivity to temperature, discolouration, metallic taste, gum tenderness, or swelling.
Benefits
- Can save an infected tooth from extraction.
- Removes the source of infection to prevent it from spreading.
- Prevents further problems that could be caused by losing a tooth.
- Can relieve toothache.
- Less expensive than replacing a lost tooth.
Treatment steps
- Root canal therapy usually requires several appointments depending on the tooth being treated. Between appointments, the tooth will be covered and temporarily restored.
- An X-ray will be taken to check the root canals and surrounding bone for signs of infection.
- A rubber sheet is placed around the tooth to keep it dry.
- The infected pulp is removed under a local anaesthetic (if necessary), and root canals are flushed with an anti-bacterial solution.
- The canals are shaped with tiny instruments and washed again to remove any debris.
- The freshly cleaned root canals are then filled with a rubber compound to seal the tooth and prevent bacteria from entering.
- The filled root canal is sealed with a permanent filling or may need a crown to help restore tooth shape and functionality
Although root canal therapy has a reputation for being painful, the procedure should be no more uncomfortable than having a normal filling.
Aftercare
If looked after properly, with regular brushing and flossing, your root canal-treated tooth should stay trouble-free and provide a long-lasting repair. Even though the pulp has been removed, the tooth will stay intact because the canals have been sealed to prevent re-infection. Regular check-ups are also recommended so any problems can be detected early.
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