Root canal treatment is done to remove bacteria from the inflamed root canal, thus it prevents the tooth from getting infected again and protect the natural tooth. When anyone goes through a root canal treatment, the infected pulp is taken out and the inner side of the tooth is cautiously cleaned and sterilized, then filled and covered.
Why you need a root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is required when the pulp, the tender tissue inside the root canal becomes infected. There are several reasons you may need root canal treatment.
- Deep decay or darkening of the gums
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Faulty crown
- Repeated dental procedures on the tooth
Additionally, an injury to a tooth might damage pulp even if you don’t find visible cracks or chips. If a pulp infection is not treated in time, it can cause pain and do more harm. When you find your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold drinks/foods, you might need a root canal.
Prevention
Root canal treatment is a solution to save your teeth but it is better to avoid the need for a root canal. Following oral hygiene practices and scheduling regular dental visits is the key. Do the following things to prevent your teeth from developing cavities:
- Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled brush twice every day. It is also helpful to wash your mouth after meals.
- Avoid having too many snacks, sweets, candies, pastries or sodas. The bacteria that grow on your teeth love sugars, and they increase the acidity of your mouth.
- Always follow the suggestions given by your dentist for cleaning and checkups. Try to make a dental care schedule for you and your family.
- If any issues show up, like toothaches, gum infections and other problems, get the checkup to receive proper care. Even if you wait for a few days could make a difference in the treatment needed and definitely your expense.
You have only one set of permanent teeth and you need to take good care of them. With proper care, you can keep them healthy for your entire life.
Treatment
Root canal treatment can be done in one or two visits and involves the following procedure.
- The dentist inspects and takes an x-ray to get the radio-graph of the tooth, then gives you a local anesthetic. After the tooth becomes desensitized, the dentist put a “dental dam”, a small protective covering over the region to keep the tooth apart so that it remains cleaned and free from saliva during the series of steps.
- Then he makes an incision in the crown of the tooth. Small tools are used to clear the pulp from the pulp cavity and root canals and to mold the gap for filling. Then the dentist fills the root canals with gutta-percha, a rubber-like material. The material is placed with a fixative cement to make sure that the root canals are completely sealed. Usually, a temporary filling is put to close the opening. This filling will be removed by your endodontist after the tooth is put backed.
- After the final procedure, you must also return to your dentist to have a crown placed on the tooth to protect and reestablish the tooth.
