Root canal treatment

A root canal treatment, also called a "root canal," is one of the most common dental treatments that saves an infected or severely damaged tooth. Root canals frighten most people; however, the process and the benefits it carries will calm those fears. In this article, we will describe what root canal treatment is, why you need it, the process involved, and why this is a service that you should take advantage of when visiting a clinic like We Dental in Coimbatore.

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is a procedure for cleaning and treating the inside of a tooth that becomes infected or damaged. It becomes necessary when the pulp tissue inside the tooth is infected through decay, trauma, or deep cavities. Since nerves and blood vessels fall within the pulp, such an infection can be painfully sore, and in a worst-case scenario, is a more serious dental problem and health issue if one does not seek treatment promptly enough.

Why Do You Require Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal treatment is needed for you if there's some infection or major decay to the tooth that has hit the pulp. Here are several common signs you might require the root canal:

1. Toothache which does not fade: This can be a symptom of pulp infection.

2. Sensitivity to hot or cold: If you still feel the pain from the food even after you have eaten, then there is a damage in the nerve.

3. Swelled Gums: Infection can make the gum swell or tender around the gum area where the infected tooth exists.

4. Discoloration: The tooth changes color as soon as the pulp is infected.

5. Bump on the Gums: Infection in the tooth might cause a small bump to form on the gums at times.
When you get such signs, it is essential to look for a dental professional as soon as possible. Neglecting such signs leads to some serious complications, including abscesses, loss of the tooth, and destruction of bones.
Steps involved in the treatment of a root canal.

Many people shudder at the mention of a root canal. However, most are now pain-free, thanks to modern technology. Here is what happens:

1. Examination and X-rays: The dentist examines the tooth and takes X-rays to know how extensive the infection is and to determine the anatomy of the affected tooth.

2. Anaesthesia: A local anesthetic is applied to anaesthetize the location around the tooth, allowing you to be pain free during the procedure.

3. Removal of Infected Pulp: The dentist starts by opening a small portion in the tooth to the pulp chamber to remove infected tissue.

4. Cleaning and Shaping of Root Canals: Complete cleaning is done to eradicate the bacteria, infection, and remaining debris. The canal is shaped for filling.

5. Filling of the Canals: Gutta-percha, a specific material, seals the area so that no further infection will occur after the canal is cleaned.

6. Placing a Crown or Filling: Lastly, a crown or filling is placed on the tooth to protect it and restore its shape and strength.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment offers many benefits that make this procedure significant for dental health:

1. Pain Relief: Root canals are very effective in removing the pain resulting from infected or damaged pulp.

2. Save your natural tooth: A root canal leaves you with a healthy and functional tooth which is the best for lifelong oral health.

3. Avoid damage from other areas: Root canal treatments will stop infections from traveling to other areas of the mouth or, worse still, into your bloodstream which may lead to serious illnesses.

4. Function can be restored: After getting a root canal and crowning, one can return to eating, biting, and smiling like before.