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A Root Canal is a crucial dental procedure used to treat deep infections within the tooth pulp. Despite maintaining good oral hygiene through regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, infections can still occur. Symptoms such as persistent toothache, swelling, or heightened sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks may indicate a deeper issue.
Tooth infections rarely resolve on their own, and ignoring these signs can lead to more severe complications, including abscesses or tooth loss. Seeking early intervention from a skilled endodontist or dentist can effectively resolve the issue and prevent further damage. During your consultation, your dentist will carefully explain the Root Canal procedure, so you know what to expect. Timely treatment, combined with maintaining good oral hygiene, can help preserve your natural teeth and restore your oral health.
In cases of deep cavities, problems from prior fillings, or tooth fractures from trauma, Root Canal may be required. Several signs that may require a Root Canal include significant pain during chewing or biting with or without gum swelling, chipped or fractured teeth, extended temperature sensitivity and discolouration of the tooth.
By identifying these symptoms and getting dental care right away, you can treat the underlying problems and prevent further damage.
During a Root Canal procedure, the dentist or endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp tissue inside the tooth. To ensure patient comfort, the process usually entails numbing the area with local anaesthesia. The dentist drills in the tooth's crown to access the pulp chamber and root canals once the patient has been given anaesthesia. The canals are then carefully shaped and the diseased or damaged pulp tissue is removed using special equipment. After disinfection, the canals may be filled with antibiotics or medicated materials to eradicate the infection.
Once the canals are cleaned and shaped, they are filled with a biocompatible material, usually gutta-percha, along with a sealer paste to fill the space and prevent future infection. The final step may involve placing a temporary or permanent seal or filling on the tooth to protect it until a permanent restoration (such as a crown) is placed. The purpose of this seal is to prevent saliva or bacteria from entering the treated area.
Temporary discomfort and gum swelling are common after a Root Canal treatment and are usually treated with over-the-counter painkillers. See your dentist if the pain lasts more than a few days. The day following the treatment, go back to your regular activities, but until the tooth is entirely repaired, refrain from biting on it.
To make sure you've fully recovered, schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist. During this visit, they can take X-rays to rule out infection.
Since anaesthesia is used to numb the area, Root Canal procedures are not painful. After the procedure, patients could have slight discomfort for a few days. Nonetheless, the discomfort can usually be controlled using over-the-counter analgesics that are recommended by the dentist.
While Root Canal procedures are generally safe and effective, like any medical or dental procedure, they carry some risks. These include:
You might experience some pain, swelling, or discomfort after the procedure, but this can usually be managed with painkillers.
Rarely, some people may be allergic to materials used during the procedure, like the rubber dam or sealing materials.
Removing the nerve from a tooth may lead to minor discolouration, but this is often not visible. A crown is usually placed after the procedure to cover any colour changes. If an infection occurs, the tooth might darken or become yellowish-brown.
There's a small chance of infection if bacteria remain or re-enter the tooth, which might require further treatment.
It usually takes a few weeks following the treatment for the patient to get adapt to the sensation of the treated tooth.
A Root Canal offers several benefits:
Pain Relief: It alleviates the severe pain caused by an infected or inflamed tooth pulp.
Tooth Preservation: It helps save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted, maintaining your natural bite and appearance.
Restores Function: After treatment, the tooth can function normally, allowing you to chew and speak comfortably.
Prevents Infection Spread: It removes the infection and prevents it from spreading to other teeth or surrounding tissues.
Long-Term Solution: With proper care, a tooth treated with a root canal can last for many years.
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