Dentists recommend root canal therapy when decay, trauma or infection invades the tooth nerves. Root canal treatment is a viable attempt at saving a tooth that would otherwise be removed. Although many people think removing the tooth is the way out, tooth removal is almost always costlier in the end and may cause issues for the adjacent teeth.
The process is an oral surgery and entails removing the pulp, nerves, decay and bacteria from the interior layer of the teeth. A root canal requires incision and is usually performed under anesthesia – it is an invasive surgical procedure. Despite the widespread notion that the root canal procedure is debilitating, the process is straightforward with minimal pain.
Root canal therapy has a high success rate and should be a one-time treatment, although a tooth may undergo the procedure again if infection sets in. Usually, when the infection is too severe, or the fracture or cause of pain is not immediately visible through an x-ray scan, then a surgical root canal is advisable. The incision will be made on the gum to reach the canal from the side to remove the infected tissue safely.
This article focuses on root canal therapy as oral surgery and the steps involved in the procedure.
Usually, your dentist will refer you an endodontist (a root canal expert) or an oral surgeon. The procedure will be a collaboration between your general dentist and the specialists.
Before commencing the oral surgery, the dentist will administer anesthesia to numb the tooth. Then they'll place a rubber dam on the tooth to make the area dry and free from saliva. If there is any decay on the tooth’s or gum’s surface, it will be cleaned off. Afterward, depending on the nature of the problem, an incision will be made on the tooth crown or the gum to access the inner root chamber.
With dental tools, the dental specialist will pry into the opening to remove the nerve tissues, bacteria and the dead pulp material. After that, the area will be flushed with antibacterial agents to clean out the bacteria and tissue remnants. Once the tooth is clean, they will fill the space with a permanent filling material called gutta-percha. They will use a temporary filling if more appointments are necessary.
When you go for another appointment, the dentist will place a filling on the incision made on the top of the tooth. Generally, any tooth that undergoes root canal treatment will get a new crown. This will shield the tooth, avert breakage and help it function fully.
Following your treatment, the tooth may be sensitive due to normal tissue inflammation. It should stop when the swelling alleviates, and the tooth heals. You can use over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), or naproxen (Aleve) to manage the discomfort and sensitivity. Usually, patients would be able to resume their normal routine the following day.
In the first few days following the oral surgery, try to reduce chewing on the affected area until the tooth has fully healed. The dentist will guide you on the proper way to care for your tooth.
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