When the pulp of the tooth which is the soft tissue gets infected or inflamed, root canal treatment is required. The damaged pulp can cause a lot of pain. Root canal treatment is performed in order to prevent the further decay of the tooth. The basic process involved in root canal treatment is to remove the damaged pulp. The infected portion of the tooth is cleaned. Crowns and fillings are used to stop further infection of the tooth.

Common indications that you may need
root canal treatment

Acute or continuous pain in the tooth: The
pain in your tooth can be continuous or intermittent. It may extend up to the
jaw, face or other teeth.

Sensitivity to heat and cold: Does your
tooth hurt when you consume hot or cold food? If the pain persists even after
you have consumed the food, you most likely require root canal treatment.

Change in colour of the tooth: If the
colour of your tooth changes to grey-black it is very likely that the pulp of
the tooth is infected.

Swelling of the gums: Swollen gums near the
infected tooth is another sign that points towards the need for root canal
treatment. A small pimple or boil may also form on the gums.

Pain while chewing food: Pain while eating
or chewing food indicates that the tooth is inflamed or infected.

Damaged tooth: If a tooth is chipped or
cracked, it is quite easy for bacteria to enter leading to infection and
inflammation. This condition could require root canal treatment.

PROCEDURE:  Jain’s Dental Villa Root canal treatment is a very simple process. A general misunderstanding is that root canal treatment is a painful process. But it is quite the opposite. Modern innovations and techniques have simplified the procedure over the years and two visits are sufficient for its completion.

The first step of the process is to take
X-rays to ascertain the degree of infection and inflammation. Then an anesthesia is administered in the affected part so that the patient does not experience any pain during the procedure. A small aperture is created at the top of the tooth in order to remove the damaged pulp/soft tissue. The canals of the tooth are then cleaned to remove residual bacteria. 

The tooth is filled with a substance called gutta-percha to seal the root canal. A crown or filling is placed on the tooth in order to return the tooth to its earlier functioning
capability. Post-procedure pain is common which can be easily alleviated using painkillers prescribed by the dentist.

Advantages of root canal treatment

Despite the massive strides made in modern
science and medicine, it is very difficult to replicate the functionality of a
natural tooth. A root canal procedure prevents the extraction of the infected
tooth thereby not necessitating the need for an artificial tooth.

The most significant and obvious advantage
of root canal treatment is the alleviation of pain. The pain caused by the infection and inflammation of the tooth is removed with the help of root canal
treatment.

If the infected tooth is not treated in
time, the infection may spread to neighboring teeth. Timely intervention with
the help of root canal treatment prevents further infection of the surrounding areas.

A root canal procedure allows the infected
tooth to return to its normal/healthy state so that it can perform all its functions seamlessly without any issues.

Fact vs fiction regarding root canal treatment

A very common misapprehension regarding root canal treatment is that it is a very painful process. Thanks to advancements made in contemporary science and medicine, it is a very seamless and painless procedure.

Post-care for root canal treatment

It is important not to chew hard foods
immediately after root canal treatment. It is quite normal to experience a certain amount of pain after the procedure. The pain can be countered comfortably with the help of painkillers prescribed by the dentist. Regular
follow up visits are required to monitor the state of the tooth that has been treated. Despite the successful completion of the procedure, it is essential to maintain a good level of oral hygiene by brushing and flossing teeth regularly.

DISADVANTAGES OF ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

Root canal treatment involves the removal
of the infected pulp of the tooth. The pulp forms the inner portion of the tooth and offers it a structure. Removal of this portion can make the tooth more susceptible to damage. Hence a crown is always fitted on the treated tooth to provide greater durability.

While the actual procedure is painless
because of the use of a local anesthesia, the patient may face post-treatment pain which can be subdued with the help of painkillers.

In certain cases the tooth may get infected
again because of the presence of residual bacteria or if the tooth hasn’t been sealed properly. Tooth extraction may be required in such situations.

Generally root canal treatment involves a
maximum of two visits. But in certain cases, more visits may be required depending on how complicated the case is.

The cost of a root canal treatment can vary
depending on the extent, severity and complexity of the case in hand. Additional treatments can add to the cost of the general procedure.

Although not very common, root canal
treatment can lead to the damage of adjacent bone and tissue.

There is possibility of nerve damage if the
extent of infection and inflammation is severe.

If the extent of inflammation and infection
is quite severe, root canal treatment alone may not be sufficient. Extraction
of the infected tooth may be needed.

Since the pulp of the tooth is extracted during root canal treatment, the tooth may undergo discoloration over a period of
time. A crown may be required in order to prevent such a situation.

FAQs

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment involves the removal
of the inflamed and infected portion of the tooth which is the pulp or the soft tissue of the tooth. Further infection of the tooth is prevented by proper cleaning.

When is root canal treatment required?

Some of the usual symptoms observed include swelling of gums, formation of boils/pimples on the gums, change in colour of the tooth to black-grey, increased sensitivity to hot and cold food, acute
pain.

Is the procedure of root canal treatment
painful?

Contrary to common misconceptions, root
canal treatment is not a painful process. Thanks to the use of a local
anesthetic, the procedure is painless and smooth. Post treatment pain is common
but can be reduced easily with the help of painkillers prescribed by the dentist.

What is the duration of root canal
treatment?

Typically root canal treatment lasts one to
two hours. The duration depends on the extent and severity of the infection. On
certain occasions a crown maybe required to be placed on the treated tooth.

What is the patient’s condition after
root canal treatment?

A certain amount of pain is common after
root canal treatment. Painkillers are prescribed to counter the same. It is
important to avoid hard foods immediately after treatment.

Is it essential to have a crown after
root canal treatment?

In most cases it is recommended to have a
crown on the treated tooth for stronger structural robustness.

Can I drive back home after root canal
treatment?

Yes. One can drive home on their own after
the procedure because only a local anesthesia is administered. But in case one
experiences drowsiness or grogginess because of other medications, it is
recommended not to drive.

What is the dental care post treatment?

It is important to maintain a good level of
oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly in order to preserve the health
and functioning of your teeth.