Let’s first understand what a root canal is, it is a medical process for treating the badly infected or decayed or damaged tooth. Root canal procedure removes the pulp and the nerve, after which the tooth is cleaned from inside & then sealed to stop further damage. Root canal treatment helps to get this procedure completed without much pain and treatment is also cost-effective.
A natural cavity exists within the tooth center. A soft area called a pulp chamber and nerve lies in the root canal. A nerve of the tooth acts as a sensory agent and creates the cold & hot sensation in the teeth.
Symptoms of Tooth Decay or Infection
• Continuous pain in the specific area of teeth or toothache when trying to chew the food
• Great sensation in the tooth when drink hot or cold drinks
• A recurring or persistent hard pimple affecting gums
• Tenderness and swelling of gums
• Discolored teeth
How does Tooth decay start?
- The tooth gets abscessed or infected; when a deep inner layer of the tooth gets impacted as it moves from enamel to dentin layer.
- Then, it starts impacting the nerves i.e. pulp.
- As the nerve structure has been impacted, severe sensation also started and decay progresses further.
- Now as the nerve structure has already started to die, toothache & swelling of gums will be started and it will become more painful.
- Medical help is needed like a proper examination of the tooth with x-ray & other medical procedures need to be done to identify the rate of impact.
How Does Root Canal Performed?
A root canal should be performed by an experienced dental practitioner because it is a very complex process and requires due diligence at every step of the procedure. It also requires some 2-3 visits before starting this procedure. Various dentists offers advanced medical procedures to get this treatment in more effective & efficient way.
- Physical examination: At first dentist would check the severity of the tooth decay by physically examining the tooth i.e. how far & deep it has approached.
- X-ray: Post physical examination, the dentist will do an x-ray to identify the exact location of decay. It will give an inner & deep insight of the tooth to plan root canal.
- Local Anesthesia: An anesthesia is applied or dispensed to start the procedure without much pain.
- Pulpectomy procedure: Then a decayed tooth is removed by opening roots.
- Filling performed: A hard tough thermoplastic i.e. gutta-percha material is filled in the roots which are opened & cementing is done to seal them off.
We can prevent the decaying of teeth by following the good hygiene practices i.e. good oral care, which includes brushing twice, rinsing mouth after every meal, avoiding too spicy, acidic, citrus-based food, too hot or cold & junk food items and most important having regular dental checkups. This will at least reduce the chances of decaying tooth and hence the need of root canal. We should avoid anything which is bad or may impact oral health.
