What is A Root Canal

1. What Is A Root Canal? Explained! Has your dentist prescribed a root canal procedure? The more you learn about a root canal, the more you know what to expect and the less anxiety you will have about your upcoming root canal procedure. Our guide explains everything you need to know about a root canal. What is a Root Canal? It is a procedure that helps with tooth preservation. Instead of extracting a tooth that is either infected or has decay, the root canal seeks to preserve it by removing the decayed or infected pulp, cleaning the area, and sealing it off. Root canal prevents bacteria from reoccurring on the tooth and reentering the tooth nerves, which can cause gradual tooth erosion or abscesses. When Do You Need a Root Canal? Different circumstances might need the root canal procedure. Usually, your dentists recommend the procedure when other treatments like crowning or filling aren't enough to treat your current condition. Situations when a root canal may be needed include; 1.Extreme tooth decay While tooth decay is common due to the consumption of sugary things, sometimes, the decay is extensive and affects the nerve ending of the tooth. Therefore, other mild options like filling will not be effective since they will trap the infection inside the tooth. Therefore, a root canal is the only option that can prevent tooth loss. 2.Injuries Some traumatic injuries like being in an accident or getting hit during a fight can be unexpected. For example, if the injury hurts your tooth, it can begin to look discolored and begin dying over some years. Past injuries can lead to slow nerve death, and the only way to save the tooth is by getting a root canal. 3.Hypersensitivity Have you noticed a sharp pain on a particular tooth every time you have an extremely cold or hot drink? Hypersensitivity to temperature can indicate an underlying infection or tooth problem. If the hypersensitivity originates from a nerve problem, you might need a root canal.

2. How is the Root Canal Procedure Done? If you have scheduled a root canal appointment, you need to understand precisely how the procedure is done. Irrespective of the dentist office you visit, the process is somewhat standard and will be similar to this; 1.Examination The dentist will start by examining the tooth one more time before beginning the procedure. 2.Administration of local anesthesia Your dentist will administer a topical gel and apply it to your gum tissues to numb the gum. They will leave it on for a few minutes and then inject an anesthetic directly to the nerve. The anesthetic ensures you are fully numb and feel nothing more than a mild pressure on your gum during the procedure. 3.Dental dam placement Next, the dentist will place a dental dam, a protective barrier to isolate the problematic tooth from the rest. The dam is made of thin and stretchy material, so it should feel comfortable. 4.Opening the tooth and removing the affected part Using a small piece of equipment, your dentist will open the tooth enough to access its nerve canal. Once the tooth is opened, the dentist will remove the nerve tissue or the pulp depending on the affected part. 5.Disinfecting the tooth After removing the infected part of the tooth, a disinfection solution will be placed in the tooth to kill any bacteria and prevent abscesses. 6.Filing and filling Your dentist will file inside the canal to ensure it is clean. They will then fill the nerve chamber with a sealing material deep down to the tooth's root. 7.Crowning After ensuring the interior of the tooth is well repaired, it is time to crown the exterior. Crowning helps prevent the enamel from breaking down. You can either have the crown placed on the same day or weeks later.

3. A root canal is a simple procedure that follows the above process. If you have any of the signs discussed above, schedule your dentist's visit to know if you need a root canal.