Dental health requires precision and regular check-ups in order to keep it functioning smoothly. There are ample number of problems that occur in teeth, sometimes the connective tissues get infected by germs and infections which needs to be treated soon to avoid tooth from getting damaged. For this root canal treatment is done to remove the infection and protect the teeth. Today we will know about different stages of root canal treatment and how is it done.
When Does Dentist perform a root Canal Treatment?
We have Dr. Nitya Gupta, General Dentist from Elite Dental Care Clinic, Noida to tell us about root canal treatment. She explains that root canal treatment is done to remove the infected pulp that is has infected the gums below a particular tooth. For this treatment, the soft centre portion of tooth is removed by dental surgery and then the pulp is taken out. This is done to avoid further dental problems and increase in infection in the tooth. If root canal is not performed within a time frame, the infection may cause gum problems, sensitivity and tooth decay.
What Are Common Causes For Root Canal Treatment?
Some common causes that actually lead to root canal treatment are as follows-
- A crack in the tooth
- Deep decay due to untreated cavity
- Multiple dental procedures done on the same tooth
- Injury in tooth
In all these factors, the tissue gets inflamed or infected which needs to be treated with root canal treatment procedure.
Stages of Root Canal Treatment
A root canal needs to be done in a dental clinic or dental operation room, it involves proper diagnosis first and then the dentist gives you an appointment accordingly. Root canal treatment happens in different sessions, it is a long treatment which goes on for 1-2 weeks, depending on the severity.
Stage 1- Giving Anaesthesia
In root canal treatment a local anaesthesia is given by the doctor in your mouth so that you do not feel pain in the region. It can be long process and therefore it requires anaesthesia so that patient is comfortable during the treatment surgery. You may feel a pinch of burning sensation in the meantime which will go away in a few minutes. This local anaesthesia needs to be given from time to time to prolong its effect in the mouth.
Stage 2- Removing the Pulp
The second stage is actually where the real root canal procedure starts. In this stage the dentist creates a small opening in the centre of the tooth where the cavity is, and accordingly drills it down with their dental tools. It should be as deep as the infected tissue is, in order to remove the infection and damaged pulp from the tissue. For this a special tool known as files are used to clean up the pulp present in the gum tissue. Files are also of different thickness according the pulp that needs to be extracted.
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Stage 3- Antibiotics
After extracting the damaged pulp and infection from the tooth, the dentist needs to cover the opening that has been created so that no further infections can happen. For this antibiotic coat is made and applied on the tooth. This needs to be done only after the canals are cleaned and disinfected, after this dentist seals the tooth with a paste or rubber like substance called gutta-percha so that there is not further chance of tooth infection or gum problems. Some oral anti-biotics may also be prescribed in some cases to ensure bacterial prevention.
Stage 4- Temporary Filling
This is the end procedure which is usually a temporary filling on the top of the tooth opening in order to prevent canals from being damaged by saliva. For this process, the dentist will make a small substance by mixing different chemicals together and fill it thoroughly in shape of the tooth. The temporary filling should be done properly so that it does not come out often. Some dental surgeons may also opt for permanent filling which is more useful, but it is also much more expensive, hence temporary filling is done.
Stage 5- Follow-up
This process is basically to ensure and check that the root canal is done properly and there is no soreness in the gums. Follow-up to a dentist is usually made after 3 days or more for checking gums, swelling or any wear off have happened. If it does, then the filling needs to be done again.
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If there is pain or sensitivity in that area, then mostly it is because of some crack or untreated cavity in the region. Over the counter medications may also be given if the pain is quite high, however it does not happen often if the root canal is done properly. You should call your dentist or book another appointment if the pain lasts for a few more days.
In the follow-up, crown is also placed on the top of tooth where the root canal is done; this is a extra protection layer which protects the tooth from decay and sensitivity. Crown comes in different substances, which can be made according to your choice of material.
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