Book Appointments & Health Checkup Packages
Book Appointments & Health Checkup Packages
A Root Canal, also known as Endodontic Therapy, is a dental procedure used to treat infections and save damaged or infected teeth. The term "root canal" refers to the natural cavity within the tooth's root, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and pulp. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, trauma, or other factors, it can cause severe pain and put the health of the tooth at risk.
During a root canal procedure, the infected or damaged pulp is carefully removed from the tooth, and the root canal space is cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to prevent further infection. This process not only alleviates pain but also preserves the natural tooth structure and function, allowing you to maintain a healthy smile for years to come.
The following are indications that you might require a Root Canal:
Root Canals are not painful, as they are performed under local anaesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area. You may experience some discomfort or soreness after the procedure, it is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
The duration of a Root Canal Procedure varies depending on the complexity of the case and the location of the affected tooth. It can be completed in either one session or over two to three sessions. On average, each session may last about 30 to 90 minutes. However, additional appointments may be necessary for teeth with multiple canals or complications.
During a Root Canal Procedure, several steps are involved to effectively treat the infected or damaged pulp inside the tooth.
Before the Root Canal Procedure begins, the dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to numb the affected tooth and surrounding area.
Once the area is numb, the dentist will isolate the affected tooth using a rubber dam to keep it dry and free of saliva during the procedure. They will then create a small opening in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals.
Using specialised instruments, the dentist will carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals. The inside of the tooth is cleaned and shaped to remove any debris, bacteria, and infected tissue.
After cleaning and shaping the root canals, the dentist will irrigate the canals with antimicrobial solutions to disinfect them thoroughly and eliminate any remaining bacteria.
Once the root canals are cleaned and disinfected, they are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This material seals off the canals to prevent reinfection and provides stability to the tooth structure.
After filling the root canals, the access opening in the crown of the tooth is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling material to prevent bacteria from entering the tooth and causing further infection.
In most cases, a root canal-treated tooth will require a permanent restoration, such as a dental crown, to protect and strengthen the tooth. The crown is custom-made to match the shape, size, and colour of the natural tooth and is placed over the treated tooth to restore its function and appearance.
After a Root Canal, the treated tooth may feel sensitive or tender for a few days, but this discomfort should gradually subside. The dentist will place a temporary filling or crown over the tooth to protect it until a permanent restoration can be placed. Kindly follow post-operative instructions provided by the dentist and attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.
While Root Canal Treatment is highly successful in eliminating infection and saving the tooth, there is a small risk of reinfection in some cases. Proper oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and timely placement of a permanent restoration (such as a crown) can help minimise this risk and maintain the long-term success of the root canal-treated tooth.
Side effects of a Root Canal Procedure are rare but may include temporary discomfort, swelling, infection, tooth fracture, and tooth discolouration. These can be managed with proper care and follow-up with the dentist.
Recovery from a Root Canal Procedure takes a few days to a week. Most people experience mild discomfort or soreness for a few days after the procedure, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. In some cases, there may be minor swelling or tenderness around the treated tooth. However, any pain or swelling should be reported to the dentist. Patients can usually resume normal activities shortly after the root canal procedure.
Home Dhakuria Specialities Dental-medicine Root-canals