Root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to repair and preserve a severely decayed or infected tooth. This therapy is employed when the nerve and pulp of a tooth become inflamed due to factors such as deep decay, repetitive dental procedures on the tooth, or the placement of a deep filling.
During a root canal procedure, the nerve is extracted, the canals are thoroughly cleaned, and the pulp chamber is sealed with a filling material. Failing to address this issue can lead to persistent infection in the tissue surrounding the tooth, potentially resulting in the formation of an abscess.
Several signs indicate the necessity for root canal treatment, including:
When the nerve tissue or pulp is compromised, it breaks down, allowing bacteria to multiply within the pulp chamber. These bacteria, along with decayed debris, lead to an infected or abscessed tooth, characterized by a painful pus-filled pocket at the root's end.
A root canal treatment involves the removal of the nerve and diseased pulp, followed by a thorough cleaning and sealing of the tooth's interior. The nerve within the tooth is not essential for its health and function once it has erupted through the gums. Its sole function is sensory, providing the sensation of hot or cold. Consequently, the presence or absence of a nerve does not significantly affect the tooth's day-to-day functionality.
Root canal treatment is typically comfortable and often painless, as the tooth is anesthetized during the procedure. Some post-treatment sensitivity or tenderness may occur for a few days due to inflammation in the surrounding tissues. Patients are advised to follow the dentist's prescribed regimen for pain management and infection control.
In many cases, root canals can be completed in a single visit to our dental clinic. However, when a tooth is infected or abscessed, multiple sittings may be necessary to ensure thorough treatment.
Good oral hygiene practices can reduce the likelihood of a tooth developing cavities and, consequently, the need for a root canal procedure. It is recommended to brush teeth twice daily, floss after meals, and schedule regular dental check-ups every six months. Wearing a sports guard can also reduce the risk of dental trauma resulting from sports-related injuries.