Root canals are standard dental procedures that can save a natural tooth and prevent the need for an implant or bridge. Learning more about the root canal process helps individuals make informed decisions about their oral care. Here is more information on root canals, why they are performed, what the process involves, and the benefits:
What Are Root Canals?
Root canals are dental treatments used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. The procedure targets the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, treatment is necessary to remove it, and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected. The goal is to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, preventing reinfection and preserving the tooth.
Why Are They Performed?
A root canal is performed when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, which happens due to deep decay or repeated dental procedures. A crack or chip in a tooth can also allow bacteria to enter the pulp, leading to infection. If left untreated, the infection can cause significant pain or lead to an abscess.
An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of a tooth’s root, and it occurs when the infection spreads all the way past the root ends. Besides causing pain, an abscess can lead to swelling that spreads to other areas of the face, neck, or head. A root canal treats the infection at its source, alleviating pain and preventing more serious complications.
What Does the Process Involve?
The root canal process typically requires more than one visit to the dentist, and it starts with an X-ray to assess the shape of the root canals. The dentist will check for signs of infection in the surrounding bone, then numb the area around the tooth. A rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and saliva-free during treatment.
An access hole is drilled into the tooth, and the pulp, bacteria, and decayed nerve tissue are removed. A series of root canal files is used to clean the inside of the tooth, and debris is then flushed away. Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it is sealed, and if there is an infection, the dentist may put a medication inside the tooth to clear it up before sealing.
A temporary filling is placed in the tooth’s exterior hole between appointments. At the next appointment, the interior of the tooth is filled with a sealer paste and gutta-percha, and a filling is placed to close the access hole. The final step is to restore the tooth with a crown, which protects the treated tooth and restores its function.
Talk to a Dentist Today
Understanding the root canal procedure can help answer any questions you have about the treatment. It is a routine dental operation designed to relieve pain and save your natural tooth from extraction. By removing the infected pulp and sealing the tooth, a root canal restores your tooth’s health and function.
If you are experiencing tooth pain, the next step is to discuss your options with a dental professional. A dentist can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate course of action. Schedule a consultation to learn more about how a root canal can benefit your oral health.
