You may have heard of root canal therapy and some of you may have even undergone such treatment. It has developed a reputation of being a painful procedure, but with the right dentist and with today’s new technology, it is no longer as uncomfortable as it has been in the past.
Root Canal Therapy Definition
Root canal therapy is also called endodontic therapy. It involves removing the nerve and pulp of an infected or decayed tooth. It is then cleaned, filled and sealed; this is to prevent further infection, potential abscesses and tooth pain.
What is the root canal?
It is the term used to describe the hollow area of the tooth. Roots help attach your teeth to your jaw, and each root contains canals. When you look at the anatomy of the tooth, you can find inside the tooth the pulp. It is a soft tissue that contains blood vessels and nerves, among other things. If this pulp becomes damaged or infected, it leads to oral health problems.
How would you know if you need root canal therapy?
When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed you could need root canal therapy. The cause of infection and inflammation might be due to a variety of reasons. It can be caused by decay, a crack or chip in the tooth and any other trauma or injury to the pulp. There are also a few signs you can take note of like feeling severe pain when you bite or chew food, swollen or tender gums, among other symptoms. When the pulp is injured, it won’t be able to repair itself, causing the tissue to die.
So, how will root canal therapy help?
The process can be summed up in three steps. The first thing that your dentist will do is to make a small hole on the surface of the tooth. The dead and infected pulp tissue will then be removed. The patient will be under anaesthesia so that there won’t be any discomfort or pain. The next step would be to fill the hollow area with a rubber-like material. Adhesive cement is then used to seal the canals. Lastly, since the pulp is removed, the tooth will now be more fragile. That’s why a crown or filling is added to the tooth for better protection and strength.
Get Your Treatment with a Trusted Dental Clinic
If you have any concerns regarding your oral health, the best option is to get a check-up at a dental clinic. At Brite Dental, we can make your root canal therapy as painless as possible. Our trusted team of orthodontists in Panania will do all they can to help you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure. We are also a QIP accredited dental practice, which means that we follow a strict set of health and hygiene standards.
