The Causes and Treatment Procedures for A Root Canal

The Causes and Treatment Procedures for A Root Canal

Mar 01, 2020

Root canal is a restorative procedure performed by a specialist to repair a badly decaying or infected teeth. Decay occurs mostly due to poor oral hygiene and a lack of regular visits to your dentist for a checkup.

What Causes damage to a tooth nerve or pulp?

Some of the factors linked to nerve and pulp damage include the listed below:

  • Cracks
  • Face trauma
  • Frequent dental procedures
  • Large fillings
  • Deep decay

Signs that you need the procedure

To be on the lookout, here are some of the significant symptoms that you should watch out for and seek medical attention whenever you notice them.

  • Severe and frequent toothache pain when pressure is induced
  • Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold foodstuffs
  • Discoloration
  • Swelling in nearby gums
  • Persistent pimple on the gums

When damage has occurred to your teeth’s pulp or nerve tissue, it creates an enabling environment for the multiplication of bacteria in the pulp chamber. The bacteria may cause an abscess to be formed, which is a pocket filled with pus that forms at the root’s end. This can cause swelling, which can spread to other parts such as the neck, your face, and even the head.

To save your tooth, you need to seek emergency services from a certified endodontist. This is a professional who has specialized in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of injuries and illnesses of the nerve or dental pulp of teeth. They are also trained to perform endodontic procedures, which becomes necessary when the pulp becomes infected.

The procedure

The first phase involves taking an X-ray to determine the root’s shape and see whether there are any signs of infection. If the contagion is identified, your practitioner will administer local anesthesia near the affected teeth to numb the area and ease the patient’s pain. During the procedure, a rubber dam will be placed around the afflicted spot to make it saliva-free and dry.

A hole is then drilled to access the pulp, and the related debris, along with the bacteria, is extracted from the infected area. This is achieved by using a series of root canal files to increase the diameter. They are lowered into the orifice where they scrub and scrape all the sides of the canal.

After a thorough cleaning, sealing takes place. In case of an infection, it will be cleared up by putting medication on the inside part and filling the exterior hole temporarily to lock contaminants out between the fixed appointments.

A compound made of rubber, known as gutta-percha, together with a sealer paste is placed into the root cavity. A filling is then set to fill up the exterior access orifice created at the beginning.

A tooth that requires this therapy is often one that has ample decay or large filling; hence the placement of a crown is essential to protect it from breaking and restore it fully. Crowning is usually the final step that you will undergo.

You are recommended to eat soft food, avoid taking hot drinks, and chewing on the repaired tooth as this may cause it to break or interfere with the filling. Foods that are too hot or extremely cold also risk the development of tooth sensitivity problems.

What are the expectations after a successful procedure?

During the first days after the operation is completed, you may experience sensitivity due to tissue inflammation, especially if there was an infection before. This can be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers. However, the sensitivity is expected to go away in a couple of days, and if it does not, seek further evaluation from the nearest dentistry office.

A toothache can be hectic, and treatment procedures are delicate. That is why our team at the Confluence Dental Wenatchee, is equipped with highly trained medical practitioners and efficient medical staff and equipment needed to ensure that we serve you better and give you the best care that you deserve.

We offer a myriad of services and cosmetics, including gum disease and root canal treatment, Pediatric dentistry, and many more. Some of the cosmetic services offered include fillings and bonding, dental implants, complete and partial dentures, and orthodontics.

If you are in need of dentistry services, visit us at our clinic today or give us a call and book an appointment.

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