People often come to the dental clinic with pain in the tooth, after taking diagnostic x-ray your dentist might suggest a root canal treatment. The myth of procedure is painful began decades ago because of procedures used then. But with all modern technologies root canal is a painless procedure. If you are scared of root canal treatment here are some myths and facts about root canal treatment.
What is a root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is also called Endodontic Procedure, is a procedure done to treat infection in the pulp/nerve of the tooth.
What are the causes of infection in the nerve of the tooth?
The nerve of a tooth can get infected due to a variety of reasons like dental decay, injury to the tooth, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, faulty crowns or crack or chip in the tooth.
Who needs a root canal?
If the pulp becomes injured, pulp injury will make the tooth sensitive to high and low temperatures. There may be pain when chewing, and some people have continuous, throbbing pain. or diseased, it cannot repair itself, and the tissue dies. Or In case of a deep cavity, a cracked tooth, or a loose filling, bacteria can enter the pulp will eventually destroy the pulp. If the bacteria penetrate through the root openings, it can cause an infection in the bone; this infection will weaken the bone and break it down. The ligaments around the tooth will swell, and the tooth will become loose. Without treatment, the infection will spread. Eventually, the tooth will become loose and need extracting.
Some patients opt for extraction, especially if it hurts a lot or if the tooth cannot be restored, for example, if there is large decay, trauma, or loss of bone due to periodontal, or gum, disease.
If the tooth is not painful why root canal treatment required?
Some patients may experience tooth pain initially and then it goes away on its own or with the help of antibiotics. Just because it has stopped hurting doesn’t mean it is no longer infected. Root canal treatment has been designed to stop the spread of the infection.
What is done during a root canal procedure?
During root canal treatment, the infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled with nickel-titanium files and then sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Afterwards, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection and strength. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.
Is root canal treatment painful?
Root canal treatment doesn’t cause pain but actually relieves it. Advances have made the treatment of pain-free experience. Local anaesthesia is given during the procedure to make the entire tooth numb. For more fearful patient nitrous oxide sedation can also be given. After the treatment, some tenderness is normal. It is temporary, and some medication may be enough to relieve it. The dentist some time may prescribe antibiotics to treat or prevent infection.
Would the extraction of the tooth be a better alternative?
Saving your natural teeth is the very best option. Nothing can completely replace a natural tooth. It helps in being able to chew a variety of foods. Root canal therapy will usually save the tooth and eliminate the pain. Root canal treatment is a cost-effective way to treat teeth with damaged pulp and is usually less expensive than extraction and placement of bridge or implant.
However, removing a tooth may mean that the surrounding teeth start to move and become crooked. This can look unsightly, and it can make it hard to have a good bite.
How long does a root canal take?
The amount of time a procedure takes depends on the details of the procedure and the type of tooth involved. The treatment can be done in one visit. At times, 2-3 appointments may be needed.
Is a crown mandatory after a root canal?
The root canal treated tooth is rendered brittle post-procedure, hence a crown is mandatory to give support to the tooth. There are different varieties of crowns available like PFM crowns (tooth coloured), Metal crowns, Zirconia crowns.
What are advances in root canal treatment?
Modern dental Instruments like Ni-Ti files which are more flexible causes less breakage. High torque motor headpieces, ultrasonic vibrating instruments are also being used during the procedure. Digital X-rays are more precise and convenient to use, with lesser radiation exposure to the patient. Apex Locator is a small electronic machine use to find out exact root apex of the tooth, are a really helpful tool. Laser Root canal with waterlase laser uses laser and high-pressure water to remove infection during the procedure. Other soft-tissue laser reduces infection and increases the healing process of root canal treated tooth. Microscopes are also used in the complex root canal. Magnifying glasses with fibre optic light are also used for a better view of the canal.
What complications can occur during the procedure?
As with any procedure, complications can occur. Sometimes the dentist only finds three root canals in a tooth that has four. If one canal remains untreated, the infection might continue and spread into the bone. A root canal should be filled till tips of the root. If the root canal is not properly sealed, the infection could return. Sometimes the root of the tooth may crack, or the instruments can break in the canal or perforate the canal. This makes it hard to fill the tooth effectively and reduces tooth life.
To avoid complications, patients should always follow the dentist’s instructions. If an antibiotic is needed, it is important to finish the entire prescription.
If any complications occur, a specialist ( Endodontist ) can try to correct the problem and complete the root canal. When root canal treated tooth fails to heal or become diseased again or has developed some other problems in such cases re-treatment of root canal needs to be performed. Occasionally, the tooth becomes painful and diseased even years after a successful root canal, so re-treatment can be done.
Dr Tanvi Bhandare – Dr Kadu Dental & Orthodontic Clinic
