Root Canal Treatment
A Root Canal Treatment is often feared by many patients as many think it equivalents to a painful procedure. This is often advised by the dentist when the infection of the tooth has reached the third layer of the tooth or the pulp which can be very painful. To eliminate this problem and save the tooth, a root canal treatment will be done to the affected area.
Also known as Endodontic Treatment, this procedure is often done by an Endodontist. This is done to remove the infection on the pulp and save the tooth from being extracted or removed.
Indications for Root Canal Treatment
There are many indications of root canal treatment. Some of these are:
- Severe toothache will be often felt in which eating or biting may cause extreme pain.
- Sensitivity on the area when drinking hot or cold beverages.
- Swollen gums especially on the area where the pain is felt.
The Procedure
Endodontic Treatment is a very serious procedure which is why a thorough examination and evaluation is done. The steps for this procedure are:
- The dentist will first require the patient to do a mouth x-ray to see the severity of damage of the tooth.
- Once the decay is examined and determined, local anesthesia will be then administered to numb the tooth that’s affected. A dental dam will be then placed to keep it dry and clean during the whole process.
- The cavity is then prepared by using a small drill to create an opening on the tooth. The dentist will also clear away the previous filling materials, decays and infection inside.
- The tooth’s chambers will be shaped and irrigated to remove the infected pulp. An antimicrobial solution may be placed to ensure that the area is free from bacteria and prevent any further infections.
- Once the area is clean and dry, the dentist will begin to fill it with gutta-percha, a rubber-like substance, and close it temporarily.
- To finish the treatment, the patient will be required to come back to the clinic so that a permanent crown will be placed on the tooth to restore it completely.
After Care Treatment
It is important to know what to do after the procedure in order to prevent any damage or infection in the area that was treated. Here are the following things to know:
- Refrain from biting or chewing on the area for a few weeks especially if the crown has not yet been placed.
- Always maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth after every meal and flossing it at least once a day.
- Avoid chewing or biting hard food to prevent the tooth from breaking or being damaged.
- Visit the dentist regularly to examine the teeth and keep it healthy and clean.
Keep in Mind
- Root canal treatment is often thought of as painful treatment but is actually the opposite as what makes the tooth hurt is the infection.
- The healing process may take a few days as the area treated may feel sore and painful due to the procedure.
- To complete the treatment, it may take 1-3 visits to the dentist which can depend on the severity of the damage on the tooth.