When it comes to dental care, it might seem like there are more scary procedures than not. But your dentist is there to help your teeth stay healthy and happy for a long time to come. In some cases, however, you’ll need root canal therapy treatment to stop things from getting worse.
The pulp is the soft tissue inside our teeth, in which the blood vessels and nerves reside. If bacteria or fluids from your gums penetrate the walls of your tooth, you could have an infection. In addition to pain and sensitivity, you might notice changes in your tooth such as swelling, redness, tenderness, or incidence to decay. Root canal therapy is an invasive procedure that can be scary to those who aren’t aware of what it entails.
This is where root canal therapy comes in. This is a procedure almost everyone finds scary to think about – because it can be! But when the need arises, it’s actually one of the most beneficial procedures you could have. Read on to learn more about this, why you might need it, and what to expect if you have this procedure done yourself.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy (RCT) is a special procedure that removes the inside of a tooth’s root to prevent additional damage and infection. This is done when a tooth’s nerve becomes infected. The infection is called an acute apical abscess, and it causes extreme pain and swelling. If left untreated, it could spread to the surrounding bone and lead to a medical emergency.
A root canal is a procedure that removes the diseased pulp inside the root canal of your tooth. This treatment is necessary when the nerve inside the tooth becomes infected. In most cases, the tooth might have decayed or broken down and released bacteria that cause an infection in the tooth. The root canal procedure is done to remove the infected pulp and bacteria from inside the root canal. This is done by cleaning the inside of the root canal and filling it with special medication to kill any remaining bacteria. The root canal might also have to be treated with antibiotics. This procedure is painful, but it is necessary to save the tooth.
Why Is Root Canal Therapy Necessary?
This is necessary when a tooth’s nerve becomes infected, usually due to decay. The infection, called an acute apical abscess, causes extreme pain and swelling until it’s treated.
If left untreated, the infection could spread to the surrounding bone and lead to a medical emergency. If you’re missing a tooth, a dentist may recommend a root canal so you can replace it with an implant or bridge. If a tooth is cracked or broken, a root canal may be necessary for a dentist to place a crown or a filling.
What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?
First, your dentist will numb the area around the infected tooth. Then, he or she will remove the tooth’s pulp. Next, the dentist will clean and disinfect the tooth’s root canal — a narrow channel inside the tooth that leads from the pulp to the tip of the root. He or she will then fill the root canal with a substance that seals off the infection. You may need an antibiotic if the infection is caused by bacteria. A filling may also be necessary to replace the diseased pulp.
The procedure can take a few hours, but your dentist will make sure you’re as comfortable as possible. You may feel pressure or mild pain during the process, but it won’t be excruciating. It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions during this process. Take your prescribed medications. Follow the suggested diet. If you feel any pain after the procedure, call the dentist to report it.
How to Prepare for Root Canal Therapy
For some people, it may be possible to perform root canal therapy without surgery. In other instances, you will need to undergo a surgical procedure called a ‘’expulsion’’ procedure. This is where your dentist takes out the tooth and cleans out the root canal to remove the infection.
Then, they put the tooth back in the socket and seal it with a special type of cement. Before undergoing the procedure, it’s important to discuss your health. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions, talk to your dentist about any concerns. They’ll be able to help you prepare for the procedure and know what to expect after root canal therapy.
Afterward: The Final Step of Root Canal Therapy
To fully heal from the procedure, you may need to visit your dentist a few times after root canal therapy. Depending on the severity of your infection, you may need antibiotics, pain medication, or a special diet. Some people might need to take antibiotics for up to two weeks after the procedure to fight off any remaining bacteria in the mouth.
It’s normal to experience some pain after the procedure, so be sure to take your medications as directed. You may feel some sensitivity in the area during the healing process, but that should fade within a few weeks. Be sure to stay on top of your dental cleanings, too. Your dentist may recommend a special cleaning regimen after the process.
Why You Shouldn’t Be Scared of Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy can be scary to think about, but it is usually successful and doesn’t require the removal of the tooth. In fact, a root canal can extend the life of your tooth for several more years. That’s because there are few other ways to save a tooth that’s been decayed or damaged.
Once your cavity has been treated, it’s important to maintain proper dental hygiene to prevent another buildup of plaque and bacteria. Your dentist can recommend the best brushing and flossing practices for you. They can also recommend the best toothpaste for your specific needs.
Final Words
Above all, it’s important to remember that root canal therapy is not a death sentence for your teeth. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. By removing the infection and cleaning the inside of the tooth, your dentist can help prevent further damage and help the tooth stay strong. That being said, it’s important to stay on top of your dental hygiene after this process. You need to be sure to brush and floss regularly in order to prevent plaque buildup. If left untreated, plaque can lead to another infection.
A root canal is a common dental procedure that removes the infected pulp inside your tooth and replaces it with an antibiotic-infused liquid. Root canals are commonly performed on teeth that have had a fracture or a cavity that has damaged tooth tissue. But also be done if you’ve gotten a filling and the decay has moved into the pulp of the tooth.
This can cause a severe infection and often requires an antibiotic or root canal treatment. The treatment is done by removing the infected pulp and cleaning the inside of the tooth to remove any traces of infection. They will then clean the inside of the tooth, fill it with antibiotics, seal it off and make it stronger. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should consult a dentist immediately.
References:
1-Chelation in Root Canal Therapy Reconsidered
Publishing Date: 19 January 2006
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.don.0000158233.59316.fe
2-The effect of periodontal disease on the pulp
Publishing Date: 15 May 2005
https://doi.org/10.1016/0030-4220(72)90476-8
