Description

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure to remove infected or inflamed pulp from a tooth, preventing further damage and pain. The procedure involves cleaning and disinfecting the tooth's interior, filling it with a special material, and sealing it to prevent future infection. This is done to save a damaged or infected tooth instead of extraction. When is Root Canal Treatment Needed? Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels) becomes infected or inflamed due to: Tooth decay: When decay reaches the pulp, it can lead to infection. Fractures or cracks: These can expose the pulp to bacteria, causing inflammation and infection. Repeated dental procedures: Sometimes, repeated procedures on a tooth can irritate the pulp, leading to the need for a root canal. Symptoms that may indicate the need for root canal treatment include: Severe toothache, especially when chewing or applying pressure. Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. Discoloration of the tooth. Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. A pimple-like bump on the gums. What does the procedure involve? 1. Numbing the tooth: Local anesthesia is used to numb the area around the affected tooth. 2. Accessing the pulp chamber: A small opening is created in the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals. 3. Cleaning and shaping the canals: The infected or inflamed pulp is removed, and the root canals are cleaned and shaped to prepare them for filling. 4. Filling and sealing the canals: The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material, such as gutta-percha, and sealed to prevent reinfection. 5. Restoration: A crown or other restoration may be placed on the tooth to protect it and restore its function. Is root canal treatment painful? While the thought of a root canal might be intimidating, it's typically no more painful than a filling. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, so you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure. Any soreness afterward is usually due to inflammation and is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

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