Root canal treatment
Root canal is a procedure that removes germs from the diseased root canal of a tooth and keeps it from becoming infected again. Our teeth have an enamel coating on the exterior, a second layer of dentin on the inside, and a soft inner core that extends deep into the root of our jawbone. The dental pulp, which is made up of connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves, fibroblasts, and odontoblasts, is found in this core. When deterioration reaches the soft-core, the pulp becomes irritated or infected, and it might even die. This must be corrected, and a root canal is required to preserve the tooth and remove the decay. After the diseased pulp is removed, the interior of the tooth is thoroughly cleansed and cleaned before a filling is put to close the gap. This procedure preserves the native tooth.
Symptoms
- Persistent toothache
- Tooth discoloration
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods
- Gums swollen
- A chipped or fractured tooth
- When you touch the tooth, you will feel pain
- Severe discomfort when chewing or biting
- The tooth feels loose
- Pimples on the gums
Procedure
- An X-ray will be undertaken to see whether there are any symptoms of infection in the surrounding bone, as well as to examine the morphology of the root canals. To numb the region around the tooth, local anaesthetic will be provided. You will be awake during the operation, but the anaesthetic will keep you pain-free.
- The dentist will wrap a rubber dam around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva throughout the procedure.
- Once the tooth is numb, a tiny hole at the top of the tooth (also known as the Crown) is made with a drill or a LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation).
- The dentist or endodontist will next remove the injured pulp and germs, as well as clean the region, with specific dental tools known as “Files.” The root canal’s sidewalls are also scraped and cleaned clean. To flush away the debris, sodium hypochlorite or water will be sprayed in the region while the process is being performed.
- After thoroughly cleaning and shaping the region, the endodontist or dentist will fill the root canals with a biocompatible substance. This substance is known as gutta-percha. Gutta-percha is then put with a block of adhesive cement to guarantee perfect root canal closure. The original opening is then filled with a filler.
- Finally, the dentist or endodontist will explain any extra restorative treatment that your tooth may require. For example, putting a crown or other treatment to preserve the tooth and keep it from shattering.