Dental health remains one of the most critical aspects of our overall well-being. Among various procedures that dentists perform, root canal treatment stands out as one of the pinnacle methods of saving and restoring a severely damaged or infected tooth. For most people, the thought of undergoing a root canal procedure can elicit feelings of fear or anxiety, mostly stemming from misunderstandings or misconceptions regarding the process. Comprehending the fundamentals of root canal treatment will appeal to those seeking to alleviate their concerns and ensure a fascinating and enlightening read.
Let’s first clarify what exactly a root canal is. The term “root canal” isn’t only associated to the procedure but is also a part of the tooth itself. Inside every tooth, beneath the white enamel and dentin layer, there’s a soft tissue called the pulp. This pulp houses nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, which aid in the growth of the tooth roots during its developmental stage. A root canal is the hollow section inside your tooth housing the pulp and the tooth’s nerve network.
However, sometimes the tooth pulp can get infected or inflamed due to severe decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, cracks or chips in the tooth, or trauma to the face. This inflammation or infection can result in acute pain, abscess, sensitivity to temperature or an eventual loss of the tooth if not treated.
Here’s where the root canal treatment comes in, also referred to as endodontic treatment. Contrary to popular belief, the goal of root canal procedures is to eliminate pain, not cause it. Your dentist or endodontist (a dentist specializing in dental pulp disease and treatment) removes the afflicted pulp, cleans the root canal, disinfects it, and then fills and seals it.
Treating the tooth typically involves one to three appointments. At your first appointment, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination using root canal treatment X-rays to ascertain the extent of the infection and whether a root canal is the best course of action.
Local anesthesia will generally be administered at the beginning of the procedure to numb the area and ensure that you experience minimal discomfort. Your dentist will make a small opening in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. All diseased and dead pulp will be removed using various specially designed tools. The dentist will then clean, enlarge, and shape the root canal to prepare it for sealing. Depending on your situation, the dentist might place a temporary filling to protect the tooth.
At the following appointment(s), the dentist will remove the temporary filling, further clean the root canal if needed, and finally fill and seal it with a rubbery material called gutta-percha. Post-sealing, the restoration phase begins. The dentist will usually recommend placing a crown on the tooth to restore its full functionality and appearance.
While the word ‘root canal’ might sound intimidating, in reality, it should be less foreboding. Modern dentistry advances and the use of local anesthetics make the procedure as comfortable as getting a routine filling. Most importantly, it is a tooth-saving procedure that can help you maintain your natural smile, continue eating the foods you love, and limit the need for ongoing dental work. Understanding the basics and demystifying the process can go a long way in combating dental anxiety and ensuring good oral health.