“You need root canal therapy,” says the dentist. The patient, in a haze and in somewhat of a shock, asks, “What is that? And why do I need it?”
Root canal (also known as endodontic therapy) is a dental procedure that repairs and saves a tooth. Think of it as the tooth equivalent of a superhero saving someone from pain!
If you’re wondering why your tooth may need some repairing and saving, Dental Care Group will help you look into the How and the Why. This allows you to head to the treatment armed with the correct knowledge and understanding of not only what root canal is, but why you need it.
Why do I need root canal?
Every dental emergency is different, and as such, dental treatments and solutions vary. For those who might be needing root canal treatment, it’s important to know why you need it and what caused your dental problem in the first place.
Root canal therapy involves a decaying or infected tooth. People usually need this kind of treatment when:
- The decay has extended to the tooth pulp (the living tissue found inside the tooth)
- The inside of tooth or the root tip has been infected or has abscess
- Tooth trauma or injury
A patient usually manifests the following symptoms:
- Abscess on the gums
- Severe toothache pain
- Swelling and/or tenderness
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
Unfortunately, in some cases, there are no symptoms to indicate any tooth infection or decay. This is why regular dental check-ups are critical!
What happens during root canal therapy?
Depending on the severity of the decay or infection, root canal treatment may require more than one appointment.
Before any procedure is performed, an x-ray of your teeth will be done. It will give the dental specialist a view of the root canals and their shapes. It will also determine if there are any other affected areas.
To make patients feel more comfortable and for them to feel less pain, the specialist will use anaesthetic in the affected area. Then, an opening will be made on top of the tooth. The pulp, decayed nerve tissue, and other debris will be removed from the tooth.
If there is tooth decay, the necessary dental tools will be used to remove it. After the tooth has been cleaned up, the dentist will then seal it. In some cases, if it will take more than one appointment to complete the
procedure, the tooth will be filled with a provisional filling.
To protect the tooth that has undergone root canal therapy from breakage and to restore it to its full function, a crown will be placed on top of it.
After the treatment, there may be some inflammation and minor discomfort. As you heal, these will subside.
Make sure you follow the post-treatment plan to avoid any infection.
Does root canal hurt?
One of Dr Zelman’s favourite procedures is root canal therapy.
He admits it may sound strange, but he loves it because he gets to save teeth!
He also gets to help a person who may be in dreadful pain and who is struggling to sleep. After root canal therapy, they are much happier and always so grateful!
Dental Care Group’s state-of-the-art facility has new and wonderful techniques that can make the procedure painless but very effective. One piece of equipment is a clever new device called an Endo Stimulator. This tool makes root canal completely painless and has a very high antiseptic factor.
In case of a dental emergency…who are you going to call?
Oral health is very important. You should take care of your teeth as they can affect your entire body’s well-being.
If you have been feeling discomfort or pain in your tooth, don’t wait until the pain becomes almost unbearable! Call Dental Care Group 24/7 for immediate dental care and advice! Book your first consultation with us here.
