What is a root canal therapy?

 

Root canal therapy, also called endodontic treatment or root canal, is a common and safe procedure to treat an infection located in the dental pulp. Years ago, damaged and diseased teeth were removed. But the arrival of modern dental techniques has enabled dentists to protect and repair damaged teeth with root canal treatment. The non-infected teeth removed or repaired will be a source of infection, infecting the body and weakening the immune system. As the damaged teeth do not heal themselves, as and when their condition deteriorates, they will continue to damage the bone, causing extreme pain.

How do teeth become infected?

The teeth become infected when the pulp, the soft tissue of nerves and vessels that are located inside the tooth, are injured. The deep cavities, cracked or fractured teeth and multiple fillings are common causes of injury to the dental pulp. Severe periodontal disease may be another cause. All these situations can allow germs to enter the pulp chamber, causing infection and disease. When this happens, the pulp can not repair itself, so it dies. Without treatment, pus generated by the infection eventually accumulates at the end of the root and causes the appearance of a hole in the jaw bone, called an abscess. The abscess can cause damage to the bone that is located around the tooth.

How do you know you have an infected tooth?

Although some people have no symptoms, the following signs are commonly seen in dental infections and may indicate the need to appeal to the probable root canal treatment:

•     sensitivity to hot and cold, which can also be caused by abrasion of the tooth brush
•     pain or twinge when the jaw crunches, which can also be caused by the friction of the teeth
•     swelling, which can also be caused by periodontal disease
•     a severe tooth decay
•     a bad taste in mouth

What is the treatment?

Patients undergoing root canal treatment will have to go once or more to the dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in problems of dental pulp). During treatment, the pulp is removed and the patient pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned and sealed. The following steps should help to clarify the procedure:

Step 1

It pierces the crown of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber.

Step 2

The length of root canals is determined, the dental pulp in poor condition is carefully removed, and the canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped. Medication may be inserted into the pulp chamber and root canals to help eliminate germs and prevent infection.

Step 3

If the tooth is badly infected, it is possible to leave the tooth open for a few days to drain the infection. A temporary filling is placed in the crown to protect the tooth between visits to the dentist. If the procedure is completed in one day, the channels are closed and sealed. Sometimes antibiotics are prescribed to help control the infection.

Step 4

A crown or a filling is usually placed on the tooth for better protection.

The product used to fill the root canal will probably last a lifetime, but the filling or crown may need to be replaced after a certain time.