Best Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment, or Endodontic treatment, is the process of removing infected, injured or dead pulp from the tooth. The space inside the hard layers of each tooth is called the root canal system. This system is filled with soft dental pulp made up of nerves and blood vessels that help the tooth to develop.
When bacteria (germs) enter your tooth through deep cavities, cracks or leaking fillings, the tooth can become abscessed. An abscessed tooth is a tooth with an infection in the pulp. If pulp becomes infected, it needs to be removed. An abscessed tooth may cause pain and/or swelling. The dentist may notice the infection from a dental x-ray or from other changes with the tooth. If left untreated, an abscessed tooth can cause serious health problems.
Root Canal Treatment Done by Endodontic Specialists
- The dentist makes an opening in the tooth to reach the root canal system and the defected pulp.
- Using very fine files, the dentist removes the pulp by cleaning and enlarging the root canal.
- After the canal has been rinsed & cleaned several times , the dentist fills and seals the canal.
- The opening of the tooth is then sealed with either a temporary or permanent filling.
Root Canal FAQs
Is getting a root canal painful?
Before the procedure, you’ll be given a local anesthetic to dull the pain. And if the nerves in the tooth are dead already, you might not feel any pain in the tooth at all. If you do feel any pain or discomfort after your root canal treatment, schedule an appointment with your dentist to take a look.
What happens if root canal gets infected?
The bacteria and other dying pulp remnants can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of a tooth’s root. In addition to an abscess, an infection in the root canal of a tooth can cause swelling that may spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head.
What not to eat after a root canal?
- Fruits, including bananas, mangos, pears, peaches, applesauce, and fruit smoothies.
- Soft cereals.
- Yogurt, milkshakes, and ice cream, free from chunks and nuts.
- Pudding.
- Eggs.
- Tofu.
- Soup.
- Tuna salad.
How long does it take to get a root canal?
A tooth is likely to be treated in two appointments if it is getting a retreatment (being treated a second time). Patients are often curious how long a root canal takes to finish. They can generally expect one or two appointments of about 90 minutes each.
Can an infected root canal be treated with antibiotics?
Once the nerve becomes infected, a root canal treatment is the only way to remove the infected nerve and save the tooth. Infections inside the teeth do not respond to antibiotic treatment! Nerve inflammation caused by the infection restricts the tooth’s blood supply, so antibiotics can’t easily reach the infected area.
What is the failure rate of root canals?
Although initial root canal treatment should have a success rate between 85% and 97%, depending on the circumstance, about 30% of my work as an endodontist consists of re-doing a failing root canal that was done by someone else. Root canals often fail for the following five reasons: Missed canals.
Can you brush your teeth after root canal?
Please avoid using the root canal treated tooth for chewing crunch or hard food since doing so may cause discomfort or fracture. … You may brush and floss the treated tooth gently but should not floss if the temporary filling was placed in the space between teeth.
Can you go back to work after a root canal?
Yes you can. You will be numb for 2-3 hours after your appointment, but you should be in good shape to continue your regular schedule. You should not eat until the numbness is gone.
Do you always have to have a crown with a root canal?
In these cases, you may need the strength crowns provide. Premolars and molars that are at low risk of fracture may also be suitable for filling-only restorations after root canals. Front teeth may not need a crown for strength, but you might still refer the improved appearance a crown offers.
How many visits does it take for a root canal?
Generally, front teeth have one canal and the back teeth have multiple canals. Root canal treatment usually takes one to three visits depending on the difficulty of the canal system; more canals and curved roots may take more visits or a complicated infection may take longer to complete.
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