What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a procedure to save a tooth that has been damaged by decay, infection, or trauma. It involves removing the infected or damaged pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels), cleaning and disinfecting the root canal system, and then filling and sealing the tooth to prevent further infection. This treatment is often necessary to relieve pain and prevent tooth loss, and it can help maintain natural tooth function.

The Procedure

The treatment typically follows these steps:

• Diagnosis and Planning: The dentist or endodontist examines the tooth and takes X-rays to assess damage.

• Local Anesthesia: The area is numbed to ensure a painless procedure.

• Accessing the Canal: An opening is made in the crown to reach the root canal.

• Removing the Pulp: The infected pulp is removed.

• Cleaning and Shaping: The canals are cleaned, disinfected, and shaped for filling.

• Filling the Canals: A material like gutta-percha is used to seal the canals.

• Sealing the Tooth: A temporary or permanent filling is placed, and often, a crown is added later for protection.

Post-Treatment Care

After the procedure, patients may feel some tenderness, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. It’s important to:

• Continue brushing and flossing, being gentle around the treated area.

• Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it’s fully restored with a permanent filling or crown.

• Attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and get the final restoration.

• Contact us immediately for severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection.

An unexpected detail is that smoking should be avoided post-treatment to prevent interference with healing, which might not be commonly discussed but is crucial for recovery.