Root canal

Introduction

So you wake up one morning with a toothache and ignore it for weeks. One day you're fed up with suffering with this toothache and decide to make an appointment to the dentist. And now you're reading about what in the world is ROOT CANAL?? 

Some might be familiar with the term, but most of us don't know what root canal exactly is. All we know is it's a treatment for rotten teeth.

Root Canal is a dental procedure to treat an infected or inflamed tooth. the treatment involves removing and cleaning the infection and sealing the wound. It is done to save a tooth from extraction and relieve pain and discomfort.

What causes Root Canal?

Every tooth has a basic structure. What you see is the hard covering called enamel. If you go deeper, there's a soft tissue like a pulp that has nerve endings and blood vessels from which the pain stems. This pain is because the pulp is inflamed. The inflammation could be caused by

• Deep tooth decay (cavities)

• Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth

• Cracks or chips in the tooth

• Trauma to the tooth

Once the pulp is damaged or infected it can be treated only by a root canal treatment.

Root Canal Treatment steps

The procedure is fairly simple. It might take 1-2 visits for the treatment to be completed.

1. An x-ray will be performed on the teeth that are concerned. This will give an idea of how severe the inflammation is. Local anesthetic gel will be applied so that you don't feel pain during the procedure.

2. As mentioned earlier, the hard covering called enamel is drilled to get access to the soft pulp.

3. The inflamed tissue is removed carefully using specialized tools and the canals are cleaned well to remove infection-causing bacteria and debris.

4. The exposed pulp is filled and shaped with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha.

5. A temporary or permanent crown is fitted to seal the exposed pulp.

How long does Root Canal take?

It roughly takes 60-90 minutes per session. You might need 1-2 sessions depending on your case.

Pain after Root Canal

With modern-day technologies, the procedure is painless. During the procedure, a local anesthetic is applied to numb the area. Post the procedure, painkillers are given to manage the temporary discomfort which subsides in a few days.

However, if the pain persists or increases reach out to your dentist as it may indicate an underlying issue.

Root Canal Treatment Side effects

Root canal is a safe procedure however sometimes some patients may experience

• Temporary sensitivity or discomfort

• Swelling or inflammation

• Rarely, infection if the sealing is not perfect

How to avoid Root Canal?

Maintaining good oral hygiene is the way to avoid frequent visits to your dentist. The basic tips are to

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.

• Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth.

• Avoid sugary snacks and beverages.

• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.

• Address small cavities or issues early to prevent them from worsening.

• Protecting your teeth during sports with a mouth guard can also prevent trauma that might lead to a root canal.

Pain after root canal

When biting down a tooth with a root canal hurts with pressure it could be because of

• A high filling or crown causing bite imbalance

• Persistent inflammation in surrounding tissues

• A crack in the tooth or crown

• Rarely, reinfection

Contact your dentist if you experience pain after the root canal.

Conclusion

As scary as it sounds, the root canal is simply misunderstood by patients as it's extremely painful. With modern-day medicine and procedures, your experience can be very comfortable. It is better to get a root canal done in its due time than suffer with sensitivity that comes from an infected tooth. Book an appointment now, eat, and smile pain-free.