Toothaches can be excruciating, and when they're accompanied by infection or damage to the tooth's pulp, a root canal may be the solution to alleviate the pain and save your tooth. Lt Gen Dr Vimal Arora, Chief Clinical Officer, Clove Dental Care, explained the purpose, procedure, and risk of root canal treatment.
What Is Root Canal Treatment
A root canal is a dental operation used to treat a tooth that has become infected or damaged. The purpose of a root canal is to save the tooth by removing the infected or inflamed pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, and when it becomes infected, it can lead to severe pain, swelling, and even abscess formation.
Purpose Of Root Canal
The purpose of a root canal treatment is twofold: to eliminate the bacterial infection from the root canal system and retain the affected tooth in its socket, preserving the natural dentition.
Lt Dr Arora said that root canal treatment is required when the inner part of a tooth, called the pulp, gets infected due to injury or decay. This infection causes intense pain and inflammation (swelling). It's important to remove the infected tissue to get rid of the pain. This helps stop the infection from spreading to adjacent bones.
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Procedure Of Root Canal
The procedure for a root canal treatment involves the following steps:
- Preparing the area: The tooth is numbed using a local anaesthesia injection, ensuring a pain-free experience for the patient.
- Accessing and cleaning the roots: After numbing, an access hole is prepared using drills, allowing the removal of infected pulp. Antiseptic solutions and specialised instruments are used to thoroughly clean and disinfect the canals.
- Shaping the canals: While cleaning, the canals are also shaped using instruments, ensuring they are prepared to receive the filling material. This step focuses on creating an even shape so that the filling material can effectively fill the entire canal.
- Filling the canals: A plastic inert material called gutta-percha, along with cement is placed inside the canals. The gutta-percha is heated and compressed to seal the canal, keeping the bacteria out.
- Filling the access hole: The access hole is filled with high-strength cement, preventing bacterial ingress, and providing strength to the tooth.
- Healing and antibiotics: Following the procedure, patients may experience discomfort for a few days. In cases of persistent pain or spreading infection, additional painkillers and/or antibiotics may be prescribed to facilitate proper healing.
- Adding the crown: It's important to note that root canal treatment is considered complete once a dental crown is placed. The crown strengthens and protects the treated tooth, allowing it to withstand the forces of chewing and restoring its functionality. This step is crucial in ensuring the long-term success of the root canal procedure.
The crown acts as a durable and natural-looking cap, blending seamlessly with your other teeth. By completing the treatment with a crown, you can enjoy the benefits of a restored tooth that is both strong and aesthetically pleasing.
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Risks Of Root Canal Treatment
While root canal treatment is a commonly performed procedure with a high success rate, it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved. Lt Arora listed the risks of a root canal as follows:
- Tooth discolouration
- Tooth cracking
- Reinfection
- Instrument separation
- A rare occurrence of a sodium hypochlorite accident (the solution used during treatment) can cause discomfort and swelling.
Bottomline
Lt Dr Arora concluded, "To minimise these risks and ensure the best possible outcome, it is crucial to seek treatment from experienced specialists known as endodontists. With their extensive training and expertise, endodontists possess the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of root canal treatment, reducing the chances of complications and maximising the chances of a successful procedure."
Disclaimer
This article consists of information provided by the expert, however, we recommend you consult your expert for a treatment catered to your requirements.