Root Canal

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure aimed at saving a severely infected or decayed tooth. It involves removing the infected pulp from the tooth's root canals, cleaning and disinfecting them, and finally filling and sealing them to prevent further infection. This treatment is necessary when the inner part of the tooth, called the pulp, becomes infected due to deep cavities, cracks, or trauma. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience. Root canal treatment not only relieves the excruciating toothache caused by the infection but also restores the functionality and appearance of the tooth. It is a highly successful procedure, with a high rate of saving teeth that would otherwise require extraction. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are essential to maintain the health of the treated tooth and overall oral health.

PROCESS OF ROOT CANAL

First, the dentist will give you local anesthesia – this means an injection near the bad tooth. Other than this little prick, you won’t feel much pain throughout the procedure. Then he proceeds to drill away the top part of the infected tooth to expose what is called the “pulp” of the tooth. The pulp is a bunch of tissues, nerves, arteries and veins that connect your tooth to your jaw bone. This is the part that bacteria have eaten away and damaged, causing you toothache.

Now local dentist uses small “files” to chip away and remove the part of the pulp that is infected. He will also clean out small pathways, or “canals,” that run from your tooth to your bone. Then he sprays/places medicines in the hollow to kill any remaining germs and prevent further microbial infection. Finally, the cleaned area is temporarily stuffed with a soft material.

On further sittings, the hollow is packed with “fillings” and then a permanent crown is affixed on top of the treated tooth. This crown may be made of porcelain or metal, as per your choice.

AFTER THE TREATMENT

You may have some pain, soreness or swelling for a day or two after the procedure. The dentist may decide to prescribe you painkillers and antibiotics to help in recovery. Most people can resume normal routine within 24 hours.