Root Canal Treatment: Pros and Cons

Endodontic therapy, also known as root canal treatment, is a common dental treatment to remove infection from inside a tooth.

While your infected tooth may be very painful, the root canal procedure will end that pain. The procedure itself is performed with anaesthesia, so you will be comfortable the entire time.

In the long run, root canal treatment can help you prevent future dental issues.

A root canal is a natural part of the tooth. This canal holds the nerve tissues, blood vessels and other cells. A single tooth has a crown above the gum and roots below it.

In root canal treatment, the dentist repairs a damaged or infected tooth but still preserves the remaining healthy parts of it. Essentially, the dentist removes the infection within the tooth and the gum line and also cleans the area.

The treatment is necessary if the infection affects the pulp or the soft tissues inside the root canal. This will also be necessary for people with inflamed or infected root canal.

The inflammation in the root canal is caused by different factors like deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth.

A root canal treatment is performed by an dentist. Before the procedure, a series of examinations like tooth radiograph using the x-ray will be made, then the dentist proceeds with the treatment.

Initially, the dentist will remove everything that is inside the root canal. Very small instruments are used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canal. This shapes the space for filling. Next, after the space is cleaned and shaped, the root canal is filled with biocompatible material.

This is usually done with materials like rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The temporary filling will be removed by your dentist later.

The tooth will also need a permanent crown or filling. A tooth with no pulp must receive its nourishment from the ligament that attaches the tooth to the bone. This supply is adequate, but in time the tooth will become more brittle, so a crown or filling offers protection.

With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure.

It is normal, however, for the tooth to feel sensitive days or weeks after the treatment and this may cause discomfort to the patient. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications.

A successful root canal can cause mild pain for a few days. This is temporary, and should go away on its own as long as you practice good oral hygiene. You should see your dentist for a follow-up if the pain lasts longer than three days.

Basic oral hygiene is also important before and after the procedure. Brush your teeth softly and floss daily. Use fluoride toothpaste and avoid drinking alcohol and bite hard foods.

Most teeth can be treated by a root canal. But prevention is best, so take good care of your teeth to avoid severe fracture.

Consult with Danny The Dentist for more information and advice.

Woman at the dentist complaining about a tooth pain