Root Canal Treatments
When tooth decay progress deep inside the innermost layer of a tooth, the pulp can become infected. Sometimes the infection becomes so severe that an abscess forms. Other times infection doesn’t happen, but still the pulp becomes inflamed. Decay isn’t the only reason that pulp can become inflamed or infected. It can also result from a serious mouth injury or trauma. Regardless of the cause, the only way to remedy the situation, and save the tooth, is by undergoing a dental treatment called a root canal.
If a root canal is needed but not performed, it’s likely that the infection, if there is one, will spread. An even more significant consequence is that the tooth might have to be extracted. Some people decide to skip this dental treatment, thinking that a tooth that has undergone a root canal will ultimately have to be extracted anyway. But this isn’t true. It may be weaker but it will function again, either because it’ll be covered with a crown or filled with a composite material. If cared for properly, the procedure can result in lifelong success. Therefore, it’s always better to undergo the root canal procedure. No matter how much a root canal costs, it will be less expensive than a dental implant or bridge.
A root canal is a major procedure involving several steps. The first step is the most important one – delivery of a local anesthesia. If determined necessary, the patient may be sedated. Once the patient is prepared, the dentist uses a special tool to cut through the crown. The cut that is made has to extend down to the pulp chamber. The dentist will take an x-ray to help measure the canals. The dentist will next clean out the affected pulp and the infection using a tool called an endodontic file. An antiseptic is also delivered to help with the infection.
After the dentist has completed the canal cleaning stage, the canal is filled with a substance called gutta-percha. This filling will be permanent and will help ensure that the canals do not become reinfected or contaminated again. With the canals clean and filled, work to repair the hole that was cut through the tooth begins. The hole is filled temporarily and that filling remains in place while a crown is created for the affected tooth. When the crown is ready, it is fitted, adjusted and then permanently attached to the tooth.
There will be some amount of pain after the procedure, but that should go away once the infection has cleared. Pain medication will help during this time.
Unfortunately, sometimes the infection is not completely removed during a root canal. When this happens it’s necessary to repeat the procedure. Other issues can also cause reinfection. Besides repeating the treatment steps, extra time and effort is needed because all of the restorative work must first be removed. This makes the procedure more expensive and time-consuming the second time around, but it must happen or the patient risks losing the tooth permanently.