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Since childhood, we all have been repeatedly explained how sugary food can harm our teeth. That sugar might cause a hole in the tooth. Some of us have also experienced the excruciating pain from tooth decay and have been advised root canal treatment  by a professional for the same. The root canal is a standard dental procedure usually done to repair the damaged tooth in case of tooth decay or if the tooth is infected. Root canal procedure is also done before any orthodontic treatment for aligning the teeth using teeth aligners if any decay is present. A root canal is a reparative treatment, and almost 15 million teeth per year are being saved using this treatment worldwide. Any dental professional is eligible to do a root canal but an endodontist is a person who has a specialization in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease related to pulpal tissue or nerve of the tooth. Being a reparative procedure, the repair can only be assessed according to the damage that happened to the tooth. So the root canal treatment depends on several factors, including the severity of injury and infection. Let us know more about it in detail.      

Who needs a root canal procedure?

A tooth is a complex structure made up of different layers. An outer white enamel layer, a hard dentin layer beneath it. The innermost soft part is known as the pulp. Pulp is the part where all the nerves and vessels are present. When an infection reaches the pulp chamber, the tooth starts aching. This pulp becomes inflamed. This is when your endodontist suggests a root canal. Extreme tooth sensitivity that lingers with the intake of certain hot and cold beverages or a sharp pain while chewing can also indicate root canal treatment. Sometimes the tooth becomes so decayed that the infection reaches the bone. There is a purulent discharge evident from the gum line in these cases. This is a sign of severe infection. For the tooth to be saved, a root canal treatment is necessary. A root canal treatment can also be helpful in the cracked or chipped tooth or sometimes if there is swelling evident in the gums. All these can be assessed after a thorough clinical checkup. 

Steps involved in Root canal procedure 

It might take more than one visit to the dental office to repair the damaged pulp completely. A single sitting usually lasts up to 45 minutes. A root canal is the removal of the infection of the tooth by removing the infected pulp, followed by cleaning and shaping the root canal. After the cleaning is done, the canal is filled with a permanent restorative material, and the tooth is sealed. Here’s what you can expect at a dental clinic when you go for a root canal treatment. 

• Firstly, the endodontist will numb the affected area using a local anaesthetic agent. This will ensure that you feel no pain during the whole procedure.
•  Then using a dental driller, they try to make a hole in the tooth to reach the pulpal area and remove the damaged tooth part. Removing the damaged tooth portion will prevent secondary infection.
• After locating the canal, the dentist will clean the pulp chambers and put several medications in the tooth to ensure proper healing. 
• Repeated X-rays are taken after each major step to check the status of the treatment. 
• And lastly, the dentist will fill the pulp chamber with a permanent material and medications so that the tooth may continue to serve its purpose for a long time. 
• Sometimes, a crown is also indicated in some cases.  

The root canal treatment is corrective, but most of us are afraid of the pain. It’s a procedure developed to take away your pain before it gets worse. Consult a professional now and get hold of your oral condition at the earliest. Then, book your appointment and keep your teeth pain and infection-free.  

There are 2 types of people in this world; those who are overly concerned about dental issues that can happen to them, and those who underestimate the problems that a simple dental issue can cause them. While the first kind presses the panic button on even the slightest of issues, the second kind is the ones who miss most signs that their body gives them to begin panicking. Irrespective of the type of person you are, here are a few questions for you to answer.

Do you experience dry mouth, sensitivity, and headaches quite often? If yes, these might be an indication of an underlying dental issue. Our body releases some prominent signs that demand immediate medical care. Some symptoms might be mild while some of them can be severe and need you to press the panic button. But how do you know what is the right reaction in a situation? Let us tell you more about the conditions that need your immediate attention.

Swelling or toothache

If you are experiencing toothaches or swelling, it is high time you visit the dentist immediately for a root canal treatment. Excruciating toothaches are signs of serious tooth problems that can worsen if left untreated. Moreover, swelling in cheeks that is spreading towards the eyes is a sign of infected roots. Make sure you consult your dentist at the earliest.

Sore, swollen, or inflamed gums 

Do you have sore, swollen, or inflamed gums? If yes, it is high time you press the panic button and consult a dentist. The faster the better. It is easy to treat and recover from mild gum infections. But, the risk increases with time and requires extra care and effort by the dentist.  Only a professional cleaning can remove bacteria, plaque, and infection from the gumline. 

White spots

White spots or white patches on your teeth and gums are the initial signs of tooth decay. Consulting a dentist immediately can help avoid cavities and other gum infections. Apart from this, gum infections can also lead to pimple formation on the gums. Make sure you do not scrape or pop it. leave them as they are and see the dentist right away. 

Canker Sores 

Canker sores are a dental condition that leads to tiny ulcers inside the cheeks and lips. It can also happen on the roof of the mouth or the tongue. Although the majority of the canker sores heal on their own within a week. But in case you notice them spreading or getting painful, you should press the panic button. 

Mouth Injury 

Any injury or trauma in the mouth should not be taken lightly, even if it does not feel like an emergency. Teeth trauma can even damage the roots and trigger severe other dental issues. Therefore, it is crucial to see the dentist and get the area examined. 

These were some signs that indicate a serious dental issue. Make sure you connect with a reputed dental surgeon and get them treated right away. Unnecessary delays can aggravate the issue leading to dire consequences. The thing to understand here is that when you delay, you are letting the cause of the condition take a deeper root in your system. Irrespective of the reason behind a condition, whether it is bacterial or viral or caused as a response of your immune system, the earlier a problem is identified, the sooner it can be created. 

So if you have any of these conditions, it is for the best of your oral health that you visit a specialist as soon as possible. Your dentist will also appreciate your proactiveness and will try his best to treat the issue. Good luck.

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Agreeing to undergo a root canal treatment is a difficult decision for some, mostly because of the preconceived notion that the treatment will cause severe pain.

Well, over and over, dentists have tried to explain to patients that root canal treatment is not as painful as the problem a patient faces. It is a simple treatment that can take away the pain caused due to infection inside the roots of a tooth.

All those patients who end up understanding this, agree to get the treatment, but, still have a number of questions in mind, right? Well, this blog is for all such patients. In this blog, we talk about all the queries or questions patients planning to undergo root canal treatment have in mind. Read through these answers.     

What dental problems can root canal treatment solve?

The treatment solves a tooth that is decayed or infected to a great extent by removing the pulp & nerves inside the tooth completely. The tooth is later cleaned and sealed to prevent further infection. When a tooth gets infected from the inside, pain & inflammation can be observed.   

How many appointments will it take to complete the treatment?

The complete root canal treatment, including crown placements, can be performed in two appointments. In the first appointment, a specialist will clean the infection and remove the pulp inside the tooth. In the second one, the tooth is cleaned, and a crown is placed to prevent infection in the future. The second appointment can be scheduled in time of 2-3 weeks after the first appointment.  

What happens if a root canal treatment is avoided?

If left untreated, the infection can lead to an abscess, which is a pus-filled sac that causes intolerable pain, discomfort, & dental or medical problems. The infection can also spread to other teeth, leading to the requirement of a series of dental treatments. 

Are the antibiotics given after root canal treatment safe?

To help patients not to feel the pain that can exist after the treatment, a dentist will recommend medications, including antibiotics. Such medication is also required to dry out space inside the infected tooth after treatment. There are usually no possible side-effects of such medications, but, if any medical problem seems to bother the patient, consulting a dentist is advised.  

Which dentist specializes in root canal treatment?

Endodontists specialize in performing root canal treatment. They are experts in pain management & have advanced knowledge.

Is the root canal treatment performed under anesthesia?

In most cases, a root canal treatment is performed under local anesthesia to numb the infected tooth and gum surrounding it. However, if the tooth to be treated in insensitive, anesthesia can be avoided!  

What happens after the root canal treatment is completed?

Once the appointment one in which the infection is cleaned for a root canal is completed, a patient is likely to experience mild pain. This is because the effect of anaesthesia wears off & the cleaning process starts. With medications, the pain will not be felt in a few hours.   

Is there an alternative to root canal treatment?

Tooth extraction, pulp capping, bridge denture, & dental implants are alternatives to root canal treatment. However, the right treatment to choose depends on the complexity of the case, level of infection, oral health condition, & desired results. It is best advised to consult a dentist and take his/her suggestions.  

How can a root canal treatment be avoided in the future?

Much like other dental problems, a root canal can be followed by following a good dental hygiene routine. This includes brushing, flossing, tongue cleaning & consumption of a good diet. To prevent the need for a root canal treatment for the same tooth, it is advised to get a crown placed on the tooth. 

Hope, all your queries related to root canal treatment are resolved with the above answers. Don’t be scared of root canal treatment and visit the best dentist near you to know the root canal treatment steps in detail. They are experienced professionals; therefore, can help you in a better way.