A root canal, also known as a root canal therapy, is a dental procedure used to save a tooth that has become badly injured or diseased. Root canal therapy, in spite of its bad reputation, is a somewhat common and very successful operation that can relieve pain, protect natural teeth, and improve dental health.
Usually, an infection or inflammation of the pulp—the soft tissue inside the tooth—causes the necessity for a root canal. Deep decay, many dental treatments on the same tooth, trauma, or a chip or crack in the tooth can all contribute to this. Bacteria can grow inside the tooth when the pulp is damaged, which can result in an infection and symptoms including excruciating pain, swelling, sensitivity to heat or cold, and a bulge on the gums that resembles a pimple.
The diseased or inflamed pulp inside the tooth is removed by the dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in root canal therapy) during a root canal operation. After that, the tooth is sealed, cleansed, and disinfected to stop infection from spreading. In certain instances, the treated tooth could have a crown placed over it to strengthen it and shield it from additional harm.
Contrary to popular assumption, getting a root canal does not always hurt. Thanks to improvements in anesthesia and dental technology, most patients only feel little discomfort during the process. In fact, people frequently seek root canal therapy in order to alleviate the excruciating agony that an infected tooth causes.
Patients can prevent the need for tooth extraction, preserve appropriate chewing function, and maintain jaw stability by undergoing root canal therapy on their natural teeth. Preserving the natural tooth also keeps neighboring teeth in place and helps keep the integrity of the surrounding teeth intact.
To guarantee the procedure’s long-term success, patients must continue practicing proper dental hygiene after receiving a root canal. This entails using fluoride toothpaste while brushing teeth twice a day, flossing every day to get rid of debris and plaque between teeth, and scheduling routine dental checkups and cleanings.
To sum up, a root canal is a beneficial dental operation that relieves pain, protects natural teeth, and improves oral health. Root canal therapy preserves teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted by treating infections and destruction inside the tooth, enabling patients to keep a functional and healthy smile. See your dentist right away to discuss your options for treatment and to guarantee the best possible outcome for your dental health if you are exhibiting signs of a tooth infection or have been told you may require a root canal.