A root canal is an endodontic treatment used to treat and save a badly infected or decayed tooth. The nerves and pulp of the tooth can become irritated, inflamed, and infected due to deep and prolonged decay; repeated dental procedures on a tooth; or large fillings, a crack, or chip in the tooth. It also can happen because of trauma or accident that directly affects the face. During a root canal procedure, the nerves and pulp of the tooth are removed, and the inside of the canal is cleaned and sealed. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected, and it may also lead to abscess formation. Signs You May Need a Root Canal: Severe pain during chewing or biting Bumps or pimples on the gums A cracked or chipped tooth Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold Gums that are swollen or tender Deep decay or gum darkening Tooth discoloration Tooth mobility Pain on touching or eating Facial swelling on area of the affected tooth

Procedure of a Root Canal When your tooth is severely damaged but still can be saved, your dentist recommends a root canal. You may not like having a procedure without knowing what to expect after the treatment. You must be curious about what exactly happens during a root canal. So here is the process of root canal treatment. A root canal procedure is relatively simple. The dentist must remove the infected pulp and fill the canals. Following the procedure, patients usually require a temporary crown. Steps of a Root Canal Treatment Local Anesthetic The dentist starts by numbing the affected area. Injections are used to deliver the numbing agent to the gums next to the affected tooth. This will cause some discomfort to the site. Accessing and Cleaning the Roots The dentist then drills into the tooth to have access to the root canals and the pulp chamber. The pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned by the dentist using instruments. The canals are cleaned and disinfected using an antibacterial and antiseptic solution. This kills the bacteria and treats the infection in the canal. Filling the Canals The dentist then uses gutta-percha to fill the canals. This requires placing the rubber-like material into the canal and then heating it. The dentist compresses it so it fits tightly against the walls. The dentist then adds adhesive cement to ensure the seal in the canal. Canal Shaping A filling must be placed in the root canals by the dentist. The canals must first be shaped. The dentist will shape the canals with tiny instruments so that they are ready to receive the filling material. The canals are cleaned for the second time after they have been shaped. Filling the Access Hole The dentist must also seal the hole that was made to have access to the canals. The filling prevents microorganisms from entering the tooth. The dentist may also need to place a post in a canal to give more strength to the tooth. This is only required if the tooth is badly damaged and cannot support restoration on its own. Applying the Crown Suppose the tooth undergoing a root canal is severely damaged. In that case, the crown is placed around the treated tooth to add strength and stability. The permanent crown is made to match the existing teeth. Once placed, the tooth can handle the forces of mastication and other stresses once again. Healing and Antibiotics The dentist then sends the patient home with a prescription for antibiotics. The medication kills the rest of the microbes and infection. The patient will also have post-care instructions. It is normal for the patient to experience some discomfort for a few days after the procedure. Over-the-counter pain medications usually alleviate the pain and discomfort.

Root Canal Recovery After a root canal, your mouth will be numb for a few hours. Most of the people start working, going to school, or resume their everyday activities. You can also wait until the numbness is gone before eating or resuming daily activity. For the first few days after the treatment of a root canal, the tooth may feel sensitive due to tissue inflammation, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This usually can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Until the root canal procedure is finished thoroughly, with a permanent filling in place or crown, try to avoid chewing food with the affected tooth. This will help keep the area clean and prevent a fragile tooth from breaking before it can be fully restored. A root canal is an endodontic treatment used to treat infection at the center of a tooth and restore the tooth. A root canal treatment is a painless procedure and can restore a tooth that might otherwise have to be removed completely.