Why Root Canal Treatment Is Necessary?
Root canal treatment, often met with apprehension, is actually a vital procedure for preserving natural teeth that are compromised by deep decay or trauma. But why is it necessary in the first place?
Deep inside your tooth lies the dental pulp, containing nerves and blood vessels. When this pulp becomes inflamed or infected – usually due to deep decay, a chip, or multiple dental treatments, a root canal becomes the only way to save the tooth.
Here’s why:
• Removes diseased pulp: The main goal is to remove the infected pulp, preventing it from spreading to surrounding tissues and bone.
• Relieves Pain: Infected pulp can cause significant pain. Removing it brings quick relief.
• Preserves your natural tooth: Without treatment, the tooth would be lost. Root canal treatment allows you to keep your original bite, maintaining chewing ability.
• Stops further damage: Untreated infections can lead to abscesses, and even systemic health problems.
Simply put, root canal treatment is a essential procedure to treat diseased pulp deep within the tooth, stopping progression, and allowing you to keep your natural smile. If your dentist recommends a root canal, it’s a crucial step towards better oral and overall health.
Decoding Root Canals: What to Expect Step-by-Step
Hearing the words “root canal”. The words can evoke anxiety, but being informed can ease those fears. Here’s a clear explanation of the usual process involved in a root canal treatment:
1. Diagnosis & Anesthesia: Your dentist will conduct a check-up, often using X-rays, to confirm the need. Local anesthesia is then given to numb the area completely, making it a pain-free experience.
2. Reaching the nerve chamber: A small opening is created on the surface of the tooth to access the inner nerve tissue.
3. Removing infection: Using specialized instruments, the infected pulp is cleared out. The canals are then thoroughly sterilized and shaped to prepare them for filling.
4. Filling the Canals: The cleaned and shaped canals are filled with a safe, dental braces rubber-like substance, usually gutta-percha, to seal them off and prevent future infection.
5. Protection step: A temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth while you wait for a crown.
6. Final Restoration (Crown): In most cases, a crown is necessary to strengthen and protect the treated tooth. The temporary filling is replaced with a custom-made crown.
Important Note: While some pain or sensitivity after the procedure is expected, it’s usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
A root canal is a trusted method for saving teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. If you’re experiencing severe sensitivity, speak to a professional to determine if a root canal is the right solution for you.