Root Canal Treatment: Definition, Facts, Benefits and Procedure Explained

67

Sparkly white teeth and beautiful smiles don’t just brighten up your face. They’re an indicator of your overall well-being. But when it comes to visiting the dentist for an oral checkup or treatment, many of us tend to ignore or skip it. 

And one dental intervention that often gets a bad reputation is the root canal treatment. It is a dreaded dental intervention. But, in reality, Root Canal Treatment is performed by the dentist to eliminate the infected pulp and alleviate dental pain.  

It’s one of the simplest and safest ways to save your natural teeth that might otherwise be lost to toothaches and infections.   

In this blog, we’ll answer all the vital questions that you might have regarding root canal treatment. 

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Our tooth encompasses three major layers- the enamel and dentine representing the crown and the interior pulp. The pulp houses nerves and blood vessels. 

Now, the need for a root canal usually arises when this inner pulp becomes infected or inflamed. It might happen due to a deep cavity, a cracked tooth, or an injury. 

What are the common misconceptions related to Root Canal Treatment?

Myth 1: Root canal therapy is painful

With advancements in modern dentistry and dental anaesthesia, getting a root canal isn’t a painful intervention or torturous ordeal. In fact, it’s a simple dental procedure.

Myth 2: Pulling out the tooth is better than a root canal

Your natural teeth are precious. Therefore, saving them whenever possible is the goal. Root canal treatment does just that. It preserves your tooth and prevents further dental trauma.

If you need a complete row of teeth replacement, you can opt for All-On-4 Treatment. 

What are the benefits of root canal procedure?

Root canal procedure translates into a healthier and pain-free smile. Here are a few advantages of root canal treatment:

• Pain Relief:  With the removal of the infected pulp, a root canal puts an end to that excruciating pain and discomfort. 
• Preservation of Your Natural Tooth:  When you opt for a root canal, you’re choosing to save and strengthen your natural denture. Tooth extraction and artificial implants might seem like a quick fix, but it can sometime cause shifting of your teeth and bite problems. 
• Maintaining Your Smile: After removing your pulp, your dentist seals the tooth and restores the natural look with a crown. The end result? A natural-looking and complete smile. 
• Efficient Chewing and Biting: A successful root canal restores your tooth’s functionality. You can enjoy your favourite food and drinks without worrying, ensuring you get all the nutrients your body needs and you savour your favourite delicacies. Dentistry for Children also focuses on treating bite and alignment issues through orthodontic dental treatment.      
• Preventing Further Dental Issues: Ignoring a dental problem can translates into more complex issues down the road. Untreated infections can spread to neighbouring teeth, gums, and even your jawbone. A root canal puts a stop to that spreading infection.

What are the signs and symptoms that indicate you might need a Root Canal Treatment?

The following signs indicate that you might need a root canal procedure:

• Persistent Toothache: If you’re dealing with a throbbing and relentless toothache (with or without bleeding), it’s time to visit your dentist and get an oral examination. 
• Sensitivity to Hot and Cold: If you feel a sharp tingling sensation when you take a sip of your hot morning coffee or a gulp of icy water– that is a tell-tale sign of pulp inflammation/infection. Sensitivity that lingers long after the hot or cold stimulus is gone is even more suspicious.
• Swelling and Tenderness: Swelling around a tooth, accompanied by tenderness in the nearby gums, is often a clear sign that an infection is brewing beneath the surface.

Timely diagnosis and Root Canal Treatment prevent worsening of the pain, protect the jaw bone from deterioration, eliminate the need for more expensive and complex intervention and avoid tooth loss. 

What is the root canal procedure?

The entire treatment procedure can be divided into two parts: the preparation and the actual procedure. 

Preparing for the Treatment

• Initial Consultation with a Dentist: In the initial consultation session, your dentist will listen to your concerns, examine your tooth, and discuss the treatment plan. You can ask questions, clear your doubts regarding the procedure, understand what to expect, and even discuss the associated cost components. If your child requires root canal treatment, it’s best to consult a dentist specialising in Dentistry for Children. 
• X-rays and Diagnosis: After the consultation, your dentist will suggest taking X-rays to get a clear picture of what’s happening inside your tooth. Based on these images, your dentist can pinpoint the exact location of the infection/inflammation and plan the treatment accordingly.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Procedure

• Dental sedation: Depending on the level of your dental anxiety, complexity of the treatment and pain tolerance levels, your dentist or anaesthetist will administer dental sedation. 
• Removal of Infected Pulp: Your dentist will create a small opening or portal in your tooth to access the infected pulp. The infected pulp is carefully removed to bring relief to your affected tooth.
•    Disinfecting the Root Canals: Your dentist will clean and disinfect the root canals, ensuring the elimination of any infected tissue or bacteria.
• Filling and Sealing the Tooth: Your dental expert will use a special material to seal the tooth to prevent future complications. Once sealed, you may choose a permanent crown to be placed after a few days. 

Therefore, the root canal is a much simpler treatment as compared to the All-On-4 Treatment. 

Wrapping Up

Your oral health is a valuable asset, and taking care of it is an investment in your overall well-being. Consult a reputed dental clinic and say hello to good dental health. 

Remember, delaying root canal treatment can only complicate the underlying issue, leading to excruciating pain, bleeding and loss of teeth. You might experience a slight pain after the procedure, but that can be easily treated by pain medications. 

Keep smiling!