What is Root Canal Treatment?
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is an endodontic procedure used to treat and save a tooth with a diseased, infected, or damaged dental pulp. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. When this pulp becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause severe pain and can lead to a serious infection. Root canal treatment involves carefully removing the damaged pulp, cleaning and shaping the inner space, and then filling and sealing it to protect it from future infection.
When is Root Canal Treatment Indicated?
A root canal is indicated when the pulp becomes irreversibly damaged or infected. This can be caused by:
Deep Decay: A deep cavity that has reached the pulp chamber.
Cracked or Chipped Tooth: A crack or chip in the tooth that exposes the pulp to bacteria.
Dental Trauma: An injury to the tooth that has caused damage to the pulp, even if there are no visible cracks.
Failed Restorations: A faulty crown or filling that has allowed bacteria to enter the tooth.
Severe Sensitivity: Persistent pain or sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
During the procedure, the tooth is accessed through a small opening in the tooth or crown, and the infected or damaged pulp tissue is removed using specialized instruments. The root canal system is then meticulously cleaned and shaped to remove any remaining debris and bacteria. Advanced irrigation techniques and antimicrobial agents are used to disinfect the root canal system and eliminate bacteria. Once the canals are cleaned and disinfected, they are filled and sealed with biocompatible materials to prevent reinfection and restore the integrity of the tooth.
The Procedure
A root canal treatment is a well-established and highly successful procedure. It is performed in a series of steps, and in some cases, can be completed in a single visit.
Diagnosis and Anesthesia: The endodontist will take X-rays to diagnose the problem and then numb the area with a local anesthetic to ensure a completely painless procedure.
Access and Isolation: A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. A dental dam is placed around the tooth to keep it clean and dry during the procedure.
Cleaning and Shaping: The endodontist uses small, specialized instruments to remove the infected pulp and meticulously clean and shape the canals.
Filling and Sealing: Once the canals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, they are filled with a biocompatible material, most commonly a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The tooth is then sealed with a temporary filling.
Restoration: In most cases, a final restoration, such as a crown, will be placed on the tooth by your general dentist to protect it from fracture and restore it to full function.
The Benefits
The primary benefit of a root canal is that it saves your natural tooth. Other benefits include:
Pain Relief: Root canal treatment effectively removes the source of the pain and discomfort caused by an infected tooth.
Preventing Infection Spread: It prevents the infection from spreading to other teeth or into the bloodstream, which could lead to more serious health problems.
Preserving Your Natural Smile: Saving your tooth avoids the need for an extraction and the more extensive and costly procedures of a dental implant or bridge.
Normal Function: A tooth that has undergone a successful root canal and has been properly restored can function normally for a lifetime.
Related Treatments
Appointments
For available appointments and to possibly schedule someday treatment, call our office at (281) 681-0100.
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