Root canal treatment

Root canal therapy refers to the process by which a dentist treats the inner aspects of a tooth (the area inside a tooth that is occupied by its pulp tissue). Primary focus is given on saving the tooth from extraction and maintaining the natural integrity of the dental arch.

Root canals are filled with a highly vascularized, loose connective tissue, the dental pulp. Once the pulp (nerve & blood supply) of the tooth is damaged, either by trauma, cavities or cracks in the tooth, they can become infected quite easily by bacteria. Eventually, the bacteria may destroy the pulp. The inflammation and infection spread down the root canal, often causing sensitivity to hot or cold foods, throbbing, aching, or pain when you chew.

Signs and Symptoms

1· Occasional sensitivity to hot and cold foods

2· Constant throbbing.

3· Pain on chewing.

4· Swelling (which may be tender)

5· An abscess on the gums.

Dental examination

Your dentist will examine your teeth - looking for

1· cavities,

2· assessing the condition of any fillings you already have,

3· check to see if your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold,

4· check for loose teeth, tap on your teeth to check for pain, and

5· evaluate the condition of your gums,

6· With an x-ray any unhealthy changes in your teeth or bone.

Root Canal Therapy

The goal of root canal therapy is to improve the health of your damaged tooth. A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or Endodontist (a root canal specialist).

The procedure involves freezing the tooth and isolating it. A small hole is drilled into the tooth and any existing fillings or decay is removed. Each canal is cleaned to the tip of the root (normally teeth can have anywhere from 1 to 5 canals).

The canals are then sealed with an inert material that occupies the space vacated by the removal of the pulp. This is one of the safest and most effective methods of saving a damaged tooth.

After the inside of your tooth has been treated, the outside will be restored to protect your tooth's underlying structures and to bring the tooth back into function. The tooth is usually covered with a ceramic or metal crown to prevent the tooth from fracturing.