A root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure designed to save a tooth that’s infected or severely inflamed. Here’s a breakdown of what it involves:
When Root Canal Treatment Needed?
- Severe Tooth Decay: Deep cavities reaching the pulp.
- Infection or Abscess: Bacterial infection within the pulp.
- Tooth Injury: Cracks, chips, or other trauma that expose the pulp.
- Repeated Dental Procedures: Multiple treatments on the same tooth.
- Persistent Pain: Prolonged toothache or sensitivity to hot and cold.
Why is a Root Canal Needed?
The inner part of your tooth, beneath the white enamel and dentin layer, is called the pulp. This pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. If the pulp becomes infected due to deep decay, cracks in the tooth, or gum disease, it can cause pain and inflammation.
Left untreated, the infection can spread and eventually lead to tooth loss. Root canal treatment aims to remove the infected pulp, prevent further infection, and save the tooth.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
A root canal is typically performed by a dentist or an endodontist (a dentist specializing in root canal treatments). Here’s a general overview of the procedure:
- Local Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area.
- Accessing the Pulp: The dentist creates a small opening in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp.
- Removing Pulp: Infected pulp, nerves, and bacteria are carefully removed from the pulp chamber and root canals.
- Cleaning and Shaping: The canals are thoroughly cleaned and shaped with tiny instruments to ensure complete removal of infection.
- Filling and Sealing: The cleaned canals are filled with a special material to prevent future infection.
- Temporary Filling: A temporary filling is placed on the tooth.
- Crown or Restoration: In most cases, a permanent crown or other restoration is placed on the tooth to protect it and restore functionality.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment:
- Saves the tooth: Root canal treatment can prevent tooth extraction and preserve your natural tooth structure.
- Reduces pain: By removing the infected pulp, root canal treatment alleviates toothache and discomfort.
- Improves oral health: Eliminating the infection prevents further complications and promotes good oral health.
While root canals might sound intimidating, they are a routine dental procedure with minimal discomfort, thanks to anesthesia. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or have concerns about a potential infection, FREE online consulting to Tooth Fairy Istanbul is essential to determine if a root canal is the right course of treatment for you.
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