Root Canal Treatment
Treatment of the root canal is a way to save a tooth that has been damaged by deep decay, breakage or infection. The goal of the treatment is to get your tooth back in working order so that it can perform properly inside your mouth. A root canal specialist is an endodontist.
Living tissue called the pulp is found within the core of each tooth, which is known as the pulp chamber and root canals. The pulp, which is frequently referred to as the ‘nerve,’ consists of a fine network of tissue fibers, nerves, and blood vessels.
Bacteria can reach the pulp if a significant space in a tooth develops within the pulp chamber, or if a tooth fractures. Bacteria can cause harm to the pulp and can eventually destroy it. The root canals might become infected, resulting in an abscess beneath the root of the tooth in the jawbone.
Your Root Canal Appointment
Step One
Your dentist may take a series of X-rays before performing a root canal treatment. When the pulp has been removed, your dentist will administer a general anaesthetic and clean out and widen the canal. If the treatment requires several visits, your dentist may fill the cleaned canal with medicine to destroy any surviving germs between treatments.
Step Two
The dentist must also seal the hole through which the canals are accessed. The filling keeps germs from entering the tooth. The dentist may also need to secure a post in a canal to strengthen the tooth. This is only necessary if a tooth is severely damaged and cannot support a restoration on its own.
Step Three
If the root treated tooth has significant damage or is more susceptible to fracturing, then a crown may be suggested. The crown is placed around the treated tooth and adds strength and stability. The permanent crown is fabricated to match the existing teeth. Once placed, the tooth can handle the forces of chewing once again.
What Happens If I Am Nervous About The Treatment?
If you’re really worried, oral or intravenous sedation may be provided. The administration of sedation would be advised for your safety since it is of the upmost importance. Before treatment, your unique requirements will be discussed.
How Long Does The Treatment Take?
Although root canal treatment is highly effective, the success rate varies depending on the complexity of the root canals or if re-treatments are being done. Typically, initial consultations lasting half an hour are offered.
Follow-up appointments of one to two hours are sometimes necessary. On rare occasions, it is feasible to finish therapy in a single extended appointment.
