Root canal treatment, also called endodontic treatment or root canal treatment, is a common and safe procedure to treat an infection located in the dental pulp. Years ago, damaged and diseased teeth were removed. But the advent of modern dental techniques has allowed dentists to save and repair damaged teeth through root canal treatment. Infected teeth not removed or repaired will be a source of infection, contaminating the body and weakening the immune system. As damaged teeth do not heal themselves, as their condition deteriorates, they will continue to damage the bone, causing extreme pain.

How do teeth become infected?

Teeth become infected when the pulp, the soft tissues of the nerves and the vessels inside the tooth are damaged. Deep cavities, cracked or fractured teeth, and multiple fillings are common causes of dental pulp injury. Severe periodontal disease can be another cause. All of these situations can allow germs to enter the pulp chamber, leading to infection and disease. When this happens, the dental pulp cannot repair itself, so it dies. Left untreated, the pus generated by the infection eventually collects at the end of the root, causing a hole to form in the jaw bone, called an abscess .. The abscess can lead to damage to the bone that is around the tooth.

How do you know you have an infected tooth?

Although some people have no symptoms, the following signs are commonly seen in dental infections and may indicate the likely need for root canal treatment

sensitivity to hot and cold, which can also be caused by toothbrush abrasion;

pain or throbbing when the jaw crunches, which can also be caused by teeth rubbing together;

swelling, which can also be caused by periodontal disease;

severe tooth decay;

a bad taste in the mouth.

What does the treatment consist of?

Patients undergoing root canal treatment will need to go to the dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in dental pulp problems) one or more times. During the treatment, the diseased dental pulp is removed and the pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned and sealed. The following steps should help clarify the procedure:

Step 1

The crown of the tooth is drilled to reach the pulp chamber.

Step 2

The length of the root canals is determined, the dental pulp in poor condition is carefully removed, and the canals are cleaned, widened and shaped. Medications may be inserted into the pulp chamber and root canals to help kill germs and prevent infection.

Step 3

If the tooth is badly infected, it is possible to leave the tooth open for a few days for the infection to drain. A temporary filling is placed in the crown to protect the tooth between visits to the dentist. If the procedure is accomplished in one day, the canals are obturated and sealed. Sometimes antibiotics are prescribed to help control the infection.

Step 4

A crown or filling is usually placed over the tooth for better protection.

The product used to fill the root canal will probably last you a lifetime, but the filling or crown may need replacing after a while.