Cosmopolident
ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
We will make your smile look as happy as you feel
Q. Root canal treatment
Root canal treatment is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay, infection or trauma. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.
Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be extracted.
Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.
Q. Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy
Q. What does root canal treatment involve?
A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).
While the tooth is numb, the tooth is isolated using a rubber dam. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed.
Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary dressing/filling will be placed.
At the next appointment, usually, a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.
After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.
Q. What are the benefits of root canal treatment?
A root canal, also known as endodontic treatment, is designed to treat the soft tissue within a tooth. The goal of root canal therapy is to effectively clean the nerve contents of the tooth which will serve to remove any source of pain and in the event the nerve has “died” therapy removes a source of infection. Lastly, the overall appearance of the tooth can be improved once a crown is fitted to the root canaled tooth. It is customary to complete the root canal treatment by having a crown placed to protect the root canaled tooth which, as previously mentioned, has sustained a fracture or has been heavily restored already. Crowns are made to match the color of surrounding teeth and provide a natural looking smile.
Q. What happens during a root canal treatment?
Before treatment, your dentist will numb your tooth, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. When undergoing endodontic treatment, or a root canal, the nerve and internal blood supply is carefully removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected. This removes any internal damage to the tooth and protects bacteria or infection from spreading further. Once the infected pulp (also known as the nerve) is fully removed, the tooth is sealed with either a core buildup and crown or post/core and crown. After the procedure, the tooth will look and function like it did before treatment and the results will keep your smile looking healthier than ever.
Q. What to expect after the root canal treatment procedure?
After endodontic treatment, mild discomfort or tenderness is common for a couple days following treatment. If you notice particularly uncomfortable symptoms, over the counter anti-inflammatory medication can help relieve some of the discomfort. If your discomfort lasts longer than a couple weeks you should reach out to your dentist.
