Dental problems can be worrisome if you turn a blind eye in the first place. Over time, these issues aggravate and hamper your daily activities. However, several technologies have emerged these days that enable dentists to detect the root cause of problems and the extent of damage. In 2023, a root canal treatment is a very common approach to mitigate the pain and headaches associated with an infected tooth. This dental procedure isn’t complex and comes with several benefits. It is another reason why this treatment is very popular among the common masses.
- What is a Root Canal Treatment?
- When do you Need Root Canal Treatment?
- Root Canal Process: What Happens During the Operation?
- Side Effects of Root Canal Treatment
- What’s the Recovery Period of a Root Canal Treatment?
- Wrapping Up
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal treatment is a dental methodology that removes infected/inflamed pulp on the inside of the tooth. After this removal, the dentists clean and disinfect the tooth precisely and seal it thereafter. This sealing is necessary to prevent further infection. Dentists recommend this treatment when patients undergo pain due to an abscessed tooth. It eliminates bacterial growth from the inflamed root
canal and saves the natural tooth. Millions of individuals make their teeth healthy again by embracing this treatment. This dental procedure is extremely effective when it comes to addressing various oral problems. Also, patients don’t feel any pain which gives them complete peace of mind.
When do you Need Root Canal Treatment?
When a cavity forms in your tooth and is left untreated for a long time, a root canal operation is the only way to get out of it. If your tooth is damaged or cracked due to the invasion of oral bacteria on the pulp, doctors will suggest a root canal treatment since it meets all the ends. Well, let’s have a look at the symptoms that imply a root canal treatment is the sole option:
a) Persistent tooth pain: If your tooth pain doesn’t go away despite medications, you may need a root canal operation.
b) Swollen gums: Puffy and swollen gums arise due to the accumulation of pus driven by tooth infection.
c) Excessive sensitivity to heat and cold: A root canal operation is mandatory in case your tooth is excessively sensitive to both hot and cold food items.
d) Tooth discoloration: Your tooth looks darker when the pulp of your tooth is infected. Such instances occur because of low blood supply to the tooth.
e) Pimples on the gums: A pimple on the gum is a common occurrence with infected teeth. This inflamed tooth produces pus leading to an unpleasant taste and foul smell.
Root Canal Process: What Happens During the Operation?
A study conducted by the American Association of Endodontists states that 41,000+ root canal treatments are performed in the US every day. This statistic is enough to gauge the prevalence of this procedure among all age groups. Usually, a root canal treatment takes 30-60 minutes to complete.
Before the operation, your dentist will identify the extent of damage by conducting dental X-rays of the inflamed tooth. It will help dentists to determine whether root canal therapy is the ideal option. Below are some of the steps involved during the root canal operation:
a) Anesthesia: At first, the doctors numb the area with an injection. After that, a dental dam is placed in the mouth of the patient. This separates the tooth that demands a root canal while covering the rest of the teeth.
b) Clean the roots: The doctor uses instruments that drill through the tooth. This way, dentists gain access to the pulp chamber and root canals. Thereafter, an antiseptic solution is used to eliminate the bacteria from the canals.
c) Filling the canals: The dentists implement a rubber-like material to fill the canals. This material is placed inside the canals and then heated. The medical practitioner ensures it fits tightly against the walls.
d) Sealing the access hole: Thereafter, the doctor seals the holes made to access the canals. This is done to prevent bacteria from invading the tooth.
e) Healing and antibiotics: After the operation, the dentist will recommend certain antibiotics to the patient. These antibiotics kill the rest of the germs. Also, the patient has to adhere to certain post-care instructions.
f) Adding the crown: Generally, the crown surrounds the treated tooth and enhances its stability and strength. The crown is fabricated so that it gives the look and feel of a natural tooth.
Side Effects of Root Canal Treatment
As mentioned earlier, a root canal treatment is extremely common, but like every other operation, it has potential risks. Though these risks are negligible but can’t be undermined. Let’s have a glance:
a) After the root canal treatment, your tooth may become brittle since some of the tooth structure is removed during the operation.
b) Root canals can cause sinus issues because your jaw liquid can leak through the nose membranes.
c) If the treatment is completed without following the norms, reinfection may happen at any time.
d) The root canal treatment can affect the surrounding nerves of the infected tooth causing numbness in that area.
What’s the Recovery Period of a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal treatment yields quick outcomes. Individuals who have undergone a root canal operation can experience the results in less than 1 week. The discomfort will be there for the first few days, but if you take proper medications as recommended by the doctor, they will eventually subside.
Wrapping Up
Some people have headaches when their dentist prescribes a root canal treatment to address their oral issues. This skeptical attitude is mostly because of the misconception surrounding root canal operations. However, there is no need to panic. All that you need is to select the right dentist who can conduct the
procedure diligently.
Healthy oral health is necessary to live to the fullest. In case of any inconsistencies, connect with the top-rated dentists at Healthcare Polyclinic Dammam. Dr. Robina Shahzadi and Dr. Muhammad Rabi possess 10+ years of professional experience in this field which makes them the best choice for those residing in Dammam. Root canal treatment, pediatric dental treatments, surgical extraction, crowns & bridges are some of their areas of expertise. They implement the latest dental technologies that enable patients to attain desired results within a short period.