Book your AppointmentUnderstanding Root Canals: What You Need to Know
Many individuals are afraid of root canals, a routine dental surgery, which is sometimes the result of inaction or confusion. But some of that concern can be reduced by knowing what a root canal entails and why it’s required. We’ll discuss what a root canal is, why you might require one, what happens during the treatment, and how to take care of your teeth afterward in this guide.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a type of dental operation used to treat internal tooth injury or infection. In actuality, “root canal” refers to the tooth’s natural hollow that houses the pulp, a soft tissue composed of connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. If left untreated, extensive decay, trauma, or repeated dental operations can injure or infect the pulp, causing severe discomfort and possibly even a pustule.
The dentist extracts the diseased or damaged pulp from the tooth, cleans and disinfects the inside, and then fills and closes the tooth to stop further infection. Due to popular belief, a root canal is a rather simple, painless surgery that can prevent the extraction of a tooth.
Why Might You Need a Root Canal?
The following are some of the reasons a dentist might suggest a root canal:
Deep Decay: If a cavity is not filled up for an extended period of time, it may go deep into the tooth, infecting the pulp.
Broken or fractured Tooth: A fracture or chip in the tooth can let germs into the pulp and cause an infection.
Multiple Dental Procedures: When a tooth has dental work frequently, the pulp becomes strained and damaged over time, increasing the risk of infection.
Injury to the Tooth: A tooth injury can harm the pulp and require a root canal even if there is not a visible break.
What to Expect During a Root Canal Procedure
Anxiety and fear might be reduced by being aware of what happens during a root canal. Here’s a detailed explanation of the process:
X-rays: In order to evaluate the degree of the damage and choose the best course of action, your dentist will take an X-ray of the damaged tooth prior to the treatment.
Anaesthesia: The dentist will numb the tooth and its surrounding region with a local injection to ensure patient comfort.
Isolation: To keep the tooth dry and saliva-free during the treatment, a rubber dam is typically put around it.
Removal of Pulp: To reach the pulp, the dentist makes a tiny hole in the tooth. Specialised instruments are then used to gently remove the pulp that is damaged or infected.
Cleaning and Disinfection: To get rid of any leftover germs and stop further infection, the dentist will clean and disinfect the interior of the tooth after removing the pulp.
Sealing and Filling: After the tooth has been completely cleaned, gutta-percha, a substance that resembles rubber, is used to fill it. After that, a temporary or permanent filling is used to seal the tooth.
Restoration: A crown is typically required to restore the strength and function of a tooth that has had a root canal. Your dentist may apply a permanent crown right away, or they may apply a temporary crown first and replace it with a permanent one later.
Post Procedure Care
It’s crucial to take excellent care of your teeth after a root canal in order to guarantee a full recovery and avoid further problems. Here are some pointers:
Follow dentist’s guidance: Following the treatment, your dentist will give you detailed instructions on how to take care of your tooth. Pay great attention to these to prevent issues.
Control Pain: As the anaesthesia wears off, it’s common to feel a little uncomfortable. Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter painkillers can help control this.
Avoid Hard Foods: Chewing on the treated tooth should be avoided for a few days following the surgery, particularly if you have a crown or brief filling. Eat only soft foods to avoid injury.
Maintain Dental Hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth as usual, but until the treated region heals completely, proceed with caution.
Plans Recheck Appointments: See your dentist on a regular basis to make sure the tooth is recovering properly and to monitor its function.
Common Misconceptions About Root Canals
Even though root canal therapy is a simple process, there are still a lot of myths and misconceptions about it. Let’s dispel a few of the most widespread ones:
“Root Canals Are Painful”: Most patients endure little to no discomfort during a root canal thanks to current dental treatments and anaesthesia. In fact, the surgery disables the discomfort that the injured or diseased pulp was causing.
“It’s Better to Pull the Tooth”: Getting a root canal is typically the best course of action when keeping your natural tooth, while extractions may be required. It keeps your bite as it is and avoids the need for expensive, time-consuming treatments like bridges or implants.
“Root Canals Cause Illness”: Ancient notions from the early 20th century are the source of this error. This has been disputed by recent research, which shows that root canals are safe and do not have a systemic health impact.
A tooth that has been badly damaged or diseased can often be saved with a root canal. You can make sure that the operation goes well and keep your dental health intact by being aware of what to expect and listening to your dentist’s instructions about what to do after. Do not hesitate to see your dentist if you are experiencing dental discomfort or think you may require a root canal. Getting therapy early on will help you maintain your natural smile and avoid issues.
