Overview Of Root Canal Therapy.

Overview Of Root Canal Therapy.

May 01, 2021

Root canal therapy is a common endodontic procedure designed to eliminate bacteria from an infected root canal, prevent reinfection and save the tooth.

A root canal therapy involves the removal of the pulp, which is the soft center of the tooth. The pulp is made up of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels that help the tooth grow. As you read further, you’d learn more about the procedure itself, its benefits, and the risks involved.

When Is A Root Canal Needed?

Root canal therapy is needed when the following occurs:

  • Deep decay to the pulp
  • When a person has had multiple dental procedures on the same tooth
  • Suffering a chip or a crack in the tooth
  • Traumatic injury to the tooth from a fight, accidents, sports, etc.

This then causes the soft inner part of the tooth, the pulp, to get injured and become subsequently inflamed and infected.

Symptoms of a damaged pulp include:

  • Pain in the tooth especially while chewing or biting
  • Swelling
  • A sensation of heat in the gums
  • Pimple formation on the gums
  • A chipped or cracked tooth
  • Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Decay or darkening of the gums.

How Is A Root Canal Procedure Carried Out?

A root canal procedure or endodontic dental services are performed by a specialized dentist called an endodontist, who is highly versed in the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and injuries of the dental pulp, or the nerve of the tooth.

The procedure starts with a radiologic examination of the tooth by the endodontist, to see the shape of the root canals and determine if there are any signs of infection. Normally, anesthesia is given to make the patient relaxed.

Next, and in a bid to keep the area dry and free of saliva during the procedure, a rubber dam or sheet would be placed around the tooth.

To then access the tooth, a drill would be created, and the pulp, bacteria, and decayed nerve tissue are removed alongside the tooth. Afterward, water or sodium hypochlorite is sprayed into the area to flush away the debris.

After the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, then the next thing is to seal it. This is usually done after a week’s interval, done so antibiotic medications placed in the tooth can be allowed to work and clear the remainder of the bacteria. During this interval, a temporary filling is placed in the exterior hole in the tooth to keep out saliva and food in between compartments. However, some endodontists choose to seal the tooth on the same day.

Finally, restoration of the tooth, especially the one that has a large filling, extensive decay, or other weakness, may need a crown, crown, and post or other restoration to protect it, prevent it from breaking, and restore it to full function.

For effective and efficient Root Canal Therapy in El Dorado Hills, CA, visit El Dorado Hills Town Center Dental.

Is Root Canal Therapy Safe?

Root Canal Therapy is a safe procedure with a more than 95% success rate, with many teeth lined with a root canal lasting a lifetime.

However, some complications can occur, which in most cases is a new infection of the root canal.

Reasons why this may happen include:

  • An undetected crack in the root of a tooth
  • More than normally anticipated root canals in a tooth, thereby leaving one or more of such undetected.
  • Having a problem with the tooth restoration, hereby allowing bacteria to get past it into the inner tooth.
  • A breakdown of the inner sealing material allowing bacteria to recontaminate the inner tooth.

Root Canal Therapy: Recovery.

It is important to look after your teeth while recovering from the procedure.

  • You should try to avoid biting on hard foods until treatment is complete.
  • Use of over-the-counter painkillers like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, to relieve discomfort.
  • Returning to the dentist if the pain or swelling persists even after using painkillers.

Root Canal Prevention.

Deep decay is implicated as a common reason why the nerve and pulp of a tooth get inflamed and infected. However, the following steps can help around a root canal:

  • Brushing at least twice a day
  • Flossing at least once a day
  • Wearing a mouth guard to prevent sports-related injury.
  • Paying regular visits to the orthodontist.

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