The moment our dentist recommends us getting a root canal; the first thing that strikes us is ‘the unbearable pain and the cost involved’. Well, none of this is true. A root canal is a kind of dental treatment that is done to remove the tooth infection. Thanks to advanced dental equipment and specialist dentists, the root canal procedure is not painful anymore.
What is Dental Cavity and Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay and dental cavities are some of the most common dental issues faced by today’s population. Dental cavities are quite common among kids. Lack of oral hygiene and not having regular dental check-ups Centre are significant reasons behind increasing dental issues among adults, as well as kids.
The thin outer layer of the tooth is called enamel. It is known as the hardest substance in the human body. The softening of this layer results in a dental cavity. Prolonged exposure to acidic substances results in the weakening of enamel. Bacteria present in the mouth and plaque formation result in the dental cavity.
The softening of the enamel forms the initial stage of tooth infection. Once enamel gets infected, bacteria and plaque start damaging the next layer called dentin. In later stages, the infection starts spreading to the innermost layers of the tooth, which results in pain and inflammation. With time, the infection spreads to the blood vessels, nerves of the tooth, and the connecting tissue of the tooth.
One of the most common causes of tooth decay is the dental cavity. When we eat sweets or other carbohydrate-rich food, the bacteria in our mouth starts processing it. This results in the formation of acids. As discussed earlier, these acids are harmful to our oral health as prolonged exposure to these acids results in cavities, which, when remained untreated, results in tooth decay.
Causes of Tooth Decay
- Poor oral hygiene
- Certain medical issues
- Dry mouth
- Eating more sugar-rich foods
- Plaques and tartar formation
What is Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal is a dental treatment that is used to treat dental cavities, tooth decay, and chipped and cracked teeth.
The inner part of the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerve tissues is known as the ‘root canal.’ When the infection reaches the pulp and roots of the tooth, it results in severe toothache and inflammation. The root canal procedure is done to remove the infection from the roots and pulp of the tooth. The process is carried out by specialists known as endodontists.
Root canal procedure helps in preventing dental implants, tooth extractions, or bridges. In this process
• The endodontist removes the infection from the pulp and roots of the tooth.
• Disinfect the tooth.
• Shape the root canal
• Seal the tooth using a filling.
Who Performs Root Canal Treatment?
Though all the dentists get training in the root canal. The dentists who got specialization in a root canal are called Endodontists. After completing their studies at a dental college, dentists undergo a minimum of two years of training in root canal procedures to become an endodontist. They are the experts in treating pulp or root-related tooth issues.
What Are the Steps?
There are three main steps in the root canal procedure.
1. Cleaning the root canal
The patient is given local anesthesia. After this, the endodontists make a small hole on the tooth surface. This is done to gain access to the root canal. With the help of small files, the dentist removes the dead and infected pulp tissues from the tooth.
2. Filling the root canal
The specialists clean the canal, shape it, and decontaminate the infected area. Cleaning is done by using irrigation solutions and tiny files. Once the cleaning is completed, the specialist fills the hole with a rubber-like material.
The root canal is done, the tooth becomes dead. As a result, the patient would not feel any inflammation or pain in that tooth.
3. Adding a filling or a crown
the root canal process, the tooth becomes more fragile. In the root canal, the pulp of the tooth is removed. In the absence of pulp, the tooth has to depend on the ligament for its nourishment. Though the supply is sufficient with time, the tooth would become fragile. Hence, to protect the tooth, filling or crowning is done.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Root Canal Treatment?
The recovery period varies from patient to patient. It depends upon the amount of infection. After the root canal process is completed, the dentist prescribed antibiotics and painkillers to the patients. Once the process is finished, it takes around 1-2 weeks for a full recovery.
What Does It Cost?
The cost of a root canal procedure depends on numerous factors. Some of them are:
- Level of infection
- Location of the tooth
- The number of root canal sittings.
- Technology used
- The specialist
Root canal procedure is more affordable as compared to extraction, implant, or bridge. An important thing to remember is, the results are more permanent and useful if you go to an experienced Endodontist.