That’s the thing about Bacterial infections: they can create havoc on any part of the body! Once found in the tooth, the infection spreads to the pulp (a soft part inside the core that extends into the root) which is removed to prevent damage. Root Canal Therapy is a method of eliminating inflamed pulp and cleaning the decay followed by filling and sealing for restoring the tooth.
There’s no need to panic if your dentist prescribes a root canal procedure. Many times, teeth fixed with root canal therapy can last a lifetime.
Signs and Symptoms indicating the need for Root Canal
First and foremost, pain is a warning sign! Usually, the symptoms don’t come out until the problem has become more advanced. If you have trouble doing normal activities such as drinking or eating while feeling pain, then it’s time to see your dentist. Sometimes, a tooth can crack or get damaged due to trauma. If left untreated for a long time, it can cause infection in it. Let’s look for the signs showing the need for Root Canal;
- Severe toothache, especially during chewing
- Sensitivity toward hot or cold temperatures
- Persistent or recurring pimple on the gums
- Cracked or Broken tooth
- Discoloration of the tooth
- Discoloration of the gums
- Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums
- Swelling on your head and neck
- Deep tooth decay
- Loose tooth
- An abscess (hole in the jawbone)
In some cases, patients do not even feel any sign of an infected tooth, while many people notice certain symptoms to a less painful or severe degree. In any case, seeing your dentist is a must before applying any home remedy or medical treatment.
What happens during the Root Canal Treatment?
You may undergo a dental X-ray examination for a specific affected tooth that helps the dental surgeon to determine the extent of the damage. Depending on the infection, root canal treatment is planned to fix the inflamed part. Times have passed when root canals were a big deal! Now it is just like getting a cavity filled. Learn more about the treatment:
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Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is given to numb the infected tooth and surrounding gums. Also, it helps to cope with dental anxiety! So, yes the procedure is not clumsy, nor painful.
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Dental dam placement
A tiny rubber dam is placed over the area, before the beginning of the root canal procedure which isolates the tooth and keeps it dry for the required time period.
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Pulp Removal
A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth to remove the pulp that is infected with bacteria. Dental instruments are used to safely remove the inflamed nerves, blood vessels and tissues inside the tooth.
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Shaping the canal
Once removed, the chamber is created and root canals are cleaned, disinfected and reshaped. Your dentist may place medications for a while for deep cleaning.
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Filling the canals
At last, the emptied canals are filled with a dental material, known as gutta-percha. It is flexible and sturdy and gives the same support to the tooth.
- Sealing the tooth
A temporary dental filling is placed to seal the opening of the tooth that helps to prevent bacteria from re-entering.
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Placing the final restoration
Generally, a dental crown is advised to get placed to protect the treated tooth. These crowns are custom-made and need around two to three weeks for the final fabrication. When the crown is ready, the temporary filling is removed and a permanent crown is placed. If possible, you can get a structured crown at the same appointment.
Preventive Tips
Doing the bare minimum can prevent us from procedures like root canals throughout life. Some good dental hygiene habits that include- brushing, flossing, quitting smoking, having a healthy diet (less sugary and refined foods) and regular visits to doctors work well in preventing tooth decay!
If you’re in need of a root canal specialist in Noida, the dentistry department of Prakash Hospital can be your savior! The center is facilitated with all the advanced equipment and experienced endodontics offering safe and almost pain-free root canal treatment procedures at an affordable cost.
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