Root canal treatment is a dental treatment process that is used in the removal of inflamed and infected pulp from the core of the tooth. In every tooth, there are presently three zones or layers. The outermost is the enamel which is white, and it is what we see in the oral cavity. The second layer in the dentin is yellow, and the hue of this yellow color can be seen in the teeth of many people. The innermost layer and core of the tooth is the pulp which is the soft tissue. The pulp is the part that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. They all help in the growth and development of the teeth. There are so many causes that require you to get a root canal. They are as follows: -Tooth decay/ tooth cavities: The oral bacteria that is present is the sole cause and culprit that leads to the inflammation and infection of the root canal. It starts with a small black hole that then progresses to the deep carious lesion, which ultimately reaches the pulpal region. It slowly spreads to the whole pulp and destroys the pulp, infecting the pulp chamber as well as the pulp canals. If this is not treated on time, the pulpal infection spreads to the surrounding supportive tissues and the bone. -Cracked tooth: A cracked tooth can also damage the pulp causing it to swell and bulge, and this indicates that we should perform a root canal. After the root canal is performed, an artificial crown is placed over the treated tooth to resume the normal mastication process and thus prevent any other insult to the healing tooth. -Traumatic injury: If a person falls off the stairs or gets into another accident and receives a serious injury, it seriously affects the teeth. Due to this injury, the pulp may be exposed, and the blood vessels running through it are exposed. The many chances that they get ruptured are increased. To avoid such a situation, it is advised that a root canal is performed and the tooth is saved.

-Severe pain: Pain is the sole indicator that the pulp is in danger and that the pulp may be inflamed or infected and in need of root canal therapy. The pain that a patient experiences is very specific. The patient gives a history that they experience pain when pressure is applied to the tooth during chewing or when the tooth is compressed. The pain may be continuous or may occur at specific times, may be affected by posture change, and may or may not radiate towards the ear and temple region. This shows that the condition is irreversible pulpitis, and the only treatment for this is getting a root canal. -Sensitivity in the tooth: If a patient experiences sensitivity in their teeth when they eat or drinks hot or cold foods and the sensitivity lingers on even after the stimulus is removed, it then indicates that they require root canal treatment. Here the sensitivity towards hot foods is a better indicator that suggests that the patient needs root canal therapy. -Abscess formation: If the gums show slight swelling due to the development of an abscess, then the person needs to get a root canal done. An abscess is a kind of infection when the pulp is damaged and dies, and in place of it, a pool of pus starts to develop. This pus is then affected by the bacteria. This swells up and forms a bulge that appears as a pimple. If this is not treated, the pus infection spreads to the surrounding tissues. Root Canal Treatment The procedure of getting a root canal treatment consists of the following steps: -Anesthesia: Firstly, the dentist will take an x-ray of the tooth to examine for any kind of infection in the surrounding bone or tissues. After that, a numbing paste is applied to the gums, and after a while, a local anesthetic is injected into the gums. -Placement of a dental dam: Isolation of the tooth is accomplished with the help of a dental dam or rubber dam. This keeps the tooth free of saliva and bacteria. -Accessing the root canals: The next step is drilling access in the tooth, a small opening made on the chewing surface for the posterior teeth and on the lingual (tongue) side for the anterior teeth. -Cleaning the canal system: This is done by the use of root canal files. They help to remove the bacteria, infected pulp, and dead, decayed tissue from the root canals. They enter the root canal and work the full length of the canal, scraping down its sides and thoroughly cleaning it. -Drying and filling: After thoroughly cleaning and shaping the canals, they are dried before filling them with sealants.

FAQs -What Causes You To Need A Root Canal? There are many causes that require a person to get a root canal. They are tooth decay, cracked tooth, severe pain, formation of an abscess, traumatic injury, and many more. -How Long Does A Root Canal Take? Depending on the amount of infection in your tooth, root canal therapy may require one or two appointments. On average, a root canal takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete. If you are having treatment on a larger tooth with multiple roots, it can take up to an hour and a half. -Are You Put To Sleep For A Root Canal? During a root canal procedure, people can choose between two types of sedation. Conscious sedation allows the patient to remain awake. During unconscious sedation, the patient is put to sleep.