Root canal is often synonymous with the worst terror a dentist can inflict. When people enumerate periodontal horrors, root canal always comes up. However, this only shows how little the process is understood. For those with pain in the root of the tooth, root canal treatment can be the solution to that pain, a great relief from suffering.
While we are quick to throw around how scary root canals are, how many even know what the procedure entails? In this article, we get to the root of our dental big bad, for information is power, and understanding something helps minimize the fear.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
First of all, let’s call a spade a spade. The root canal is actually a part of the tooth. It is a hollow section found in every tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. This is called the pulp, and it gives nourishment to the tooth and moisture to the area around it, keeping teeth healthy and functioning properly. The roots of the tooth attach it to the jawbone.
Root canal treatment describes the procedure to remove infection from inside the root canal, often a problem with the pulp. This is why it is also referred to as endodontic therapy which means “inside the tooth.” A root canal can also be used to prevent later infections.
Why Get a Root Canal?
The root canal treatment is associated with pain because it is employed to relieve tooth pain caused by infection. The pain is there long before the procedure takes place. Root canal therapy is likely necessary if a tooth has a deep crack or cavity, or if a filling develops flaws. If you notice that your teeth have a heightened sensitivity to heat or cold, you may need endodontic therapy. Your dentist may also recommend the procedure if you experience tender gums, severe pain while chewing, deep decay, or darkened gums.
Trust the Process
Endodontic therapy is a straightforward process. The goal is to remove infection and the nerves from the pulp of a tooth. After an in-depth diagnostic process and consultation with the patient, the dentist will recommend the patient set up an appointment for the procedure.
Patients are put under anesthesia so they do not experience pain during the process. The first step the dentist takes is to remove everything inside the root canal. He or she creates a small access hole on the tooth’s surface and removes the dead and diseased pulp tissue with very small files.
Once all infection and nerves are removed, the dentist cleans and decontaminates the gap. The tooth is then filled with a material similar to rubber, and the root canal is sealed off using an adhesive cement.
What to Expect Afterward
Recovery after endodontic therapy is usually relatively quick, within a week. There is usually some discomfort, though it can generally be mitigated with mild pain medication. Patients recovering from root canal treatment should baby recovering teeth while they heal, following all recovering instructions from their dentist.
Without a pulp, the tooth will no longer have feeling. It will not be able to tell the difference between hot and cold. Perhaps more importantly, it will need to receive nourishment from the ligament that attaches the tooth to the bone. As this cannot provide as much as the tooth is accustomed to receiving, over time the tooth will become brittle, so many recipients of endodontic therapy also receive crowns or fillings to provide stability and protection from breakage.
Alternatives to Endodontic Therapy
Root canal treatments have a high success rate and are usually among the best options for saving diseased teeth and eliminating pain. If, however, a damaged tooth is too far gone, the next best option is a dental implant. Dental implants completely replace teeth once they are removed. They are very durable and sturdy, and they can mimic the appearance of natural teeth. Your dentist will have a good understanding of which treatment, endodontic therapy or dental implants, is best for your situation.
If possible, the best alternative to root canal therapy is no damage at all. Prevention is the best medicine, and good dental care can stave off dental disease or infection and stop the need for endodontic therapy in the first place. Follow the basics to protect your teeth: daily brushing and flossing and regular dental visits. If you take good care of your teeth, you can eliminate the need for root canal treatment at all.