Root Canal Treatment Understanding The Procedure And Care

What Is A Root Canal? 

Root canal refers to the pulp and the inner passages of the tooth between the pulp and the roots. Root canal treatment implies the removal of the infected pulp tissue or a nerve in the tooth, disinfecting of the canal, relieving the pain related to the disease and molding it so that an artificial filling can be provided. 

Any injury to the tooth can damage the pulp underneath it temporarily or permanently depending on the impact and the type of pathogen. 

What Is A Root Canal

What Are The Common Causes? 

• Tooth decay that penetrates the outer layers of the tooth.
• Accidental cracks and chips also cause root canal. 
• Recent and repeatedly dental procedures done to the tooth is a common cause. Some cement used in fillings of decayed tooth produce heat that damage the pulp beneath and in case of the highly impacted tooth, high strength fills are used that also irritate the pulp nerves. A few types of cement even contain phosphoric acid that erodes the pulp. 
• Bacterial attack or even blood-borne microbes cause pulp infection through an avulsed tooth. 
• Heavy trauma to the facial structure may also damage the pulp. 
• Tooth structure abnormality that opens a path for bacteria to penetrate. 

What Are The Signs That You Require The Immediate Attention Of A Dentist? 

• Greyish-Brown tooth discoloration. 
• A sharp-short shooting pain caused when drinking or chewing (applying pressure) anything cold, hot or acidic and it is relieved when we stop drinking or chewing it. 
• Even when you remove the source of the pain, it continues, especially when lying down sometime causing headache and ear pain. 
• If you have pulp necrosis, there will be very few symptoms aside from an opaque layer forming on the crown. In case of high infection, the tooth rises above the socket, and you endure pain. 
• Swelling of the gums. 
• A hole or crack in the tooth. 
• Occasional swelling of your face and neck. 
• A recurring abscess or a pimple like a bump on the gum area. 

How To Prevent It? 

• Avoid facial trauma by wearing mouth guards when playing sports. 
• Maintain a healthy diet, and prevent food, which is heavy in sugars and acids as they can erode the enamel. 
• Use a fluoride-based mouthwash regularly. 
• Visit your dentist at least once every six months and get a dental cleanse. 
• Brush and floss at least twice a day. 
• Drinking a lot of water results in saliva production that is a natural antibacterial substance. 

Treatment Procedure 

Root Canal Treatment

The common practice followed by well-known dentists such as Dr. Roman Fedorciw, a Middletown Dentist, consists of several sequential steps. 

Firstly, the doctor will take an x-ray to determine the root canal shape and if any infection has spread to the adjoining bone. Then local anesthesia is injected, and once the tooth and its surrounding areas are numb, the next step is to keep the area dry and devoid of saliva for treatment, so your dentist places a rubber dam around your teeth. The crown is placed after the tooth size is altered. 

Now, a hole will be drilled in the crown of the tooth and clearing of the canal route and shaping it will be done depending on the infection stage a temporary filling will be given. Then the dentist will fill them with some polyester synthetic root canal filling with a sealant. Water, normal saline or sodium hypochlorite and EDTA are frequently used to flush the dirt inside the canal. 

Finally, a restorative substance is put in the drilled cavity, and the crown is placed above it. Some dentists wait for a week to do the final sealing and full restoration of the tooth for proper functions. Most root canal treatments are reported to be as painful as getting a tooth filling done. 

Post Treatment Care 

For the first few days, your teeth may feel sensitive, especially if there was a severe pain due to infection before the cure. Pain medications recommended by the dentist like ibuprofen can relieve such pain. Brushing with an interproximal toothbrush, regular dental floss, and mouthwash will keep your new tooth healthy and disease free! 

Taking regular proper care of your teeth is an absolute must! Visit a nearby dentist every three to six months to discover any infection at their initial stages of pain-free cure so that you can eat your favorite meals being stress-free!