The root canal treatment is among the few last resorts Summerville dentists prefer to correct oral issues and restore oral health. The treatment becomes necessary when your tooth’s nerves and lining tissues become inflamed or infected.
Your teeth have an outer layer called enamel, a second layer called dentin, and the innermost softcore, which extends into the root of your jawbone. This innermost part comprises the dental pulp with nerve endings, blood vessels, and connective tissues.
When tooth decay reaches the softcore, the pulp gets infected, inflamed, or even necrotic. That’s when a root canal treatment is needed to clean out the decay.
This blog explores the different stages involved in root canal treatment. Continue reading as we understand more about the procedure in the following sections.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal or endodontic treatment is a dental procedure performed to repair and save severely infected or damaged teeth. The treatment entails extracting the diseased or inflammatory pulp from the inside of the tooth, cleaning and sanitizing the root canal system, and then filling it with an appropriate substance.
So now that you have an overview of the root canal treatment let’s understand more about the indicators of the treatment.
When Do You Need A Root Canal Treatment
Some common signs that might indicate the need for a root canal treatment include:
- Persistent Toothache: The pain may be throbbing or sharp and worsen with pressure or biting. You might feel deep pain in the bone of your tooth or in your face, jaw, or other teeth.
- Temperature Sensitivity: The tooth may be sensitive to hot or cold foods and beverages. You might feel it as a dull ache or a sharp pain. If the pain lingers for quite some time after you have stopped eating or drinking, you may need a root canal. The sensitivity also indicates that your tooth’s blood vessels and nerves are damaged or infected.
- Swelling Of The Gums: The gums around the affected tooth may appear swollen or tender. The acidic waste products of the dead pulp tissue usually cause edema outside the root tip area.
- A Pimple-like Bump On The Gums: An abscess can form, causing a small bump on the gums that may release pus or blood. It can give you bad breath and even an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
- Discoloration Of The Tooth: The affected tooth may become darkened or discolored due to an infection in the pulp. The grayish-black appearance of the tooth might be due to the breakdown of the internal tissue or trauma.
Steps Involved In The Root Canal Procedure
The root canal treatment is typically performed by a dentist or an endodontist specializing in treating the dental pulp and root canal system. The procedure typically involves the following steps:
Local Anesthesia:
To ensure a comfortable experience, the dentist administers local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth.
Accessing The Pulp:
The dentist creates a small access hole in the tooth’s crown to reach the pulp chamber and root canals.
Cleaning & Shaping:
The dentist removes the infected or inflamed pulp from the tooth’s interior using specialized dental files. The root canals are carefully cleaned and shaped to prepare them for filling.
Disinfection:
The root canals are irrigated with antimicrobial solutions to disinfect them, eliminating bacteria and debris.
Filling The Canals:
After the canals are cleaned and shaped, they are filled with a rubbery, biocompatible gutta-percha material. It seals the canals to prevent reinfection. The access hole is then sealed with dental cement.
Restoration:
In most cases, a tooth undergoing root canal treatment becomes weakened and more brittle. A dental crown is often placed over it to protect and restore the tooth’s strength and appearance.
The crown is the custom-made, tooth-shaped covering of the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line. Sometimes, a large filling may be used instead of a crown.
Takeaway Tips For A Smoother Root Canal Treatment Experience
1. Communicate openly: Talk to your Summerville dentists about all your concerns and queries about the procedure so that you are well-informed and comfortable throughout the treatment.
2. Follow pre-treatment instructions: Your dentist might advise you to follow some steps before the procedure, like fasting or adjusting your medication schedule. Following these would minimize any potential complications.
3. Practice relaxation techniques: Listen to calming music or do deep breathing exercises to reduce anxiety and nervousness before and after the treatment. Besides, it would also help if you talked to your dentist and understood all the anesthesia options depending on your pain threshold.
4. Take proper medications as directed: Your dentist might prescribe pain relievers and antibiotics to manage the infection and minimize discomfort.
5. Follow post-treatment care: Ensure you have the necessary medicines, soft foods, and other supplies before the treatment, to aid your recovery. Also, arrange for transportation, as it would be difficult to drive while under anesthesia.
Conclusion
Root canal treatment can be a challenging procedure in itself. However, when done by professionals like the root canal Summerville sc, you can have a hassle-free, painless experience.
Once you visit qualified professionals, they evaluate your specific condition, diagnose properly, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan to alleviate your dental concerns. Remember, consulting professionals can make a world of difference. All the best!
