Root Canal

Many people think that getting a root canal is a painful procedure. But have you ever considered how sad it would be to have one tooth out permanently? Would you rather have your teeth extracted irreversibly, or you'll get them fixed, so you continue to use them for snacks and food? Dentists fix teeth, clean a tooth's center, and treat dental infections. In this regard, we'll examine what a root canal is and why it is required.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure in which the pulp, the tooth's soft interior, is removed. The pulp, which supports tooth growth, comprises connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. As explained by the American Dental Association, a tooth that is severely decaying or diseased can be saved and repaired with a root canal. During the root canal procedure, the pulp gets removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Meanwhile, root canals are feared because people believe they will feel hurt. In reality, the surgical process is not painful, but the experience leading to a root canal is usually unpalatable.

How Is a Root Canal Done?

Root canal therapy is carried out in the steps below and takes between one and three sessions.

1. Take an X-ray: An x-ray is done to see the shape of the root canals and check if there are signs of infection in the surrounding bone. Most dentists anesthetize the dental area, making the patient more relaxed.

2. Cleaning and filling the root canal: The dentist will remove the entire content of the root canal. The area is kept dry and free of saliva during the treatment. Next, the dentist will place a rubber dam (a rubber sheet) around the tooth while using adhesive cement to seal the canals completely. While the local anesthesia is working on the patient, the dentist will make an opening hole on the tooth surface before removing the dead or diseased pulp tissue. Root canal files help remove diseased pulp tissue. Root canal files of different sizes are used on the opening hole. The process starts with the root canal file of the lower diameter. Next, bigger files are dipped into the opening hole in their increasing diameters to scrape the sides of the root canal and remove the content. Continually, water or a suitable fluid like sodium hypochlorite helps to wash off the debris. Following root canal therapy, the tooth dies as the nerve tissues within the tooth are no longer there. In this manner, the tooth is no longer infected, and the patient will not experience discomfort.

3. Restoration of the Tooth: The impact of root canal therapy is that the tooth has no pulp and turns more fragile. Since the tooth has no pulp, the tooth has to receive nourishment from a ligament nearby. Nutrition from a ligament is adequate, but the tooth will become more brittle in time. A crown or filling can offer coverage and protection to prevent the tooth from becoming brittle. Suppose root canal therapy takes more than one session. In that case, a temporary filling can be placed in the hole of the tooth to keep contaminants out until the therapy session continues. Also, to prevent food content from filling up the tooth canal before the completion of tooth filling, the patient should not bite or chew with the tooth. Instead, the patient should be patient to use the tooth like before when the tooth filling is complete.

Signs That You Need a Root Canal

Here are some of the signs that you need a root canal:

  • Severe dental discomfort that is brought on by chewing or applying pressure
  • Persistent sensitivity to cold or heat (pain) after the heat or cold has been removed
  • Teeth discoloration or darkening
  • Excessive swelling and gum tenderness
  • A gum-related pimple that is persistent or recurrent

Benefits of a Root Canal

• Prevents tooth loss

A decaying tooth or one with a cavity can receive various treatments, including root canal and tooth extraction. Most people prefer tooth extraction because it offers a long-term remedy for toothaches, but tooth extraction leaves a gap between the teeth. Individuals who receive a root canal don't have to worry about losing their teeth because root canals preserve teeth' position and prevent gaps between teeth.

• The Procedure is Virtually Painless

A root canal is the most popular treatment for dental decay and cavities. Unlike other dental operations like root extraction, root canals are without discomfort. Endodontists do the procedure with the necessary tools and in the painless order of removing the infected pulp and cleaning and sterilizing the area.

• Boosts Oral and Overall Health

Tooth decay and persistent toothaches are prevalent dental diseases that affect many people. When tooth decay is severe, a root canal will keep the teeth in good condition and prevent the need for tooth extraction. In addition, root canal therapy helps preserve good oral health and improves overall health by avoiding issues that lead to poor health. A few diseases that good oral health prevents are heart diseases, respiratory infections, and diabetes.

Prevention of Infection

Dentists offer the following measures to avoid infections, tooth decay, and gum disease.

  • Cleaning your teeth before going to bed and at least once more each day
  • Using a fluoride-containing toothpaste
  • Using an appropriate toothbrush and changing the toothbrush periodically
  • Obtaining routine dental examinations
  • Using floss to stop plaque accumulation and cleaning between teeth
  • Maintaining a healthy diet and staying away from sugary drinks and meals.

Additionally, dental sealants can stop deterioration, and patients should always adhere to their dentist's instructions to prevent complications.

We Can Help You

An infected or damaged tooth can be saved with endodontic therapy. Using anesthesia and new technologies helps make our root canal procedures as comfortable as possible. Consult our Lewiston dentist for additional evaluation if you feel severe or persistent dental discomfort.

Our dentist in Lewiston will resolve the issue and offer root canal therapy if necessary. Contact our Clarkston dentist today for more information and to schedule an appointment.