A root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure designed to remove infected or damaged dental pulp from within a tooth.
Each tooth contains a canal system that extends from the crown (the top surface of the tooth) down to the root. These canals house the dental pulp, which consists of connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels.
During a root canal procedure, the dentist removes the damaged or infected pulp from the tooth’s interior. Once the pulp is removed, the empty space is thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and then filled and sealed to prevent further infection.
To restore the tooth’s functionality and protect it from future damage, the chewing surface may be restored with a filling or a crown.
If you have a severely infected or damaged tooth, root canal treatment can often preserve the tooth and prevent the need for extraction.
A tooth may become infected or damaged due to several factors, including:
- Decay: Deep cavities that reach the tooth’s inner pulp.
- Wear and Tear: General deterioration over time.
- Injury: Trauma or accidents affecting the tooth.
- Cracks: Fractures in the tooth structure.
- Gum Disease: Periodontal issues that affect the tooth’s health.
- Cracked Fillings: Compromised restorations that expose the pulp.
- Repeated Dental Work: Multiple procedures that may injure the dental pulp.
When the tooth’s pulp is damaged, bacteria can enter and proliferate, leading to infection or an abscess at the root. Antibiotics alone cannot resolve these infections; a root canal is necessary to remove the infected pulp and address the issue.
Preserving your natural tooth is preferable to replacing it with an artificial one, as it maintains better functionality for biting and chewing.
During a root canal treatment, the procedure typically involves several steps and may require more than one appointment. Here’s what generally happens:
- Initial X-Ray: Your dentist or endodontist will take an X-ray of your tooth and the surrounding area to assess the extent of the infection and plan the treatment.
- Local Anesthesia: A local anesthetic is administered to numb the area around your tooth, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Rubber Dam: A rubber sheet, known as a dam, is placed around your tooth to keep the area clean and dry during the treatment.
- Access Opening: The dentist drills a small hole in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and canals inside.
- Pulp Removal: The infected or damaged pulp is removed from the canals of the tooth.
- Cleaning and Disinfection: The inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to remove any remaining bacteria and debris.
- Temporary Filling: If more than one session is needed, a temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth until the next appointment.
- Filling the Canal: Once the cleaning is complete, the canals are filled with a sterile material called gutta-percha, which helps seal the space and prevent future infection.
- Final Restoration: A permanent filling or crown is placed on the tooth to restore its function and protect it from further damage or infection.
By following these steps, the root canal treatment aims to save the tooth and restore its health and function.