What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure aimed at saving a tooth that has become infected or severely decayed. It's needed when the nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth, known as the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen due to deep cavities, trauma, or cracks in the tooth. Without treatment, the infection can spread, causing pain, swelling, and potentially leading to abscesses or even the loss of the tooth.
The procedure typically involves several steps:
Assessment and Diagnosis: The endodontist will perform a full examination and take X-rays to assess the extent of the damage and the infection.
Anesthesia: Before beginning the procedure, local anesthesia will be gently administered to numb the area around the tooth, ensuring comfort throughout the treatment.
Accessing the Pulp: A small opening in the crown of the tooth is made to access the infected or inflamed pulp tissue.
Cleaning and Shaping: Using small instruments called files, infected pulp tissue will be carefully removed
Irrigation: The root canals are flushed with an antimicrobial solution to eliminate any remaining bacteria and debris.
Filling: Once the canals are cleaned and shaped, they are filled with a biocompatible material to seal them and prevent further infection.
Restoration: After the root canal procedure, the tooth may be weakened and require additional support. Depending on the extent of damage, a crown may be recommended to restore strength and functionality to the tooth.
Overall, root canal treatment aims to eliminate infection, alleviate pain, and save the natural tooth, thus preventing the need for extraction and maintaining oral health and function. It's important to follow any post-treatment instructions provided by your dentist to ensure proper healing and long-term success.