Root canal therapy is also known as endodontic treatment. This is intended to cure the inside of the tooth also known as the pulp when it gets inflamed or infected. There are many reasons for it to be infected such as excessive tooth decay, faulty crowns, repeated dental procedures done on the tooth, and also crack or chip on it. Even when there are no chips or cracks on the tooth, the pulp may be damaged due to the trauma and pressure set on it. If the pulp damage is not treated, this may lead to abscess and too much pain.
In this procedure, the tooth pulp that is infected in removed; the inside part of the tooth is then cleaned and disinfected and then it is filled and then sealed off with gutta-percha which is a rubber-like material. Afterwards, the tooth is then restored through the use of a crown or by being filled. This enables the problematic tooth to function just like natural tooth again.
Root canal therapy is much like the routine filling. This can be completed in one or two sessions, of course depending on the condition of the tooth and your own personal circumstances. There is no discomfort before, during, and after the procedure.
What are the advantages to having root canal therapy?
You will enjoy more efficient and more productive chewing. You will also experience the normal act of biting and chewing with natural sensations and force. Your tooth will have the natural look and it also protects the other teeth from being worn down or strained.
Through the root canal therapy procedure, you will be able to retain that natural smile, go on eating the foods you love to eat, and also limit your need to go see the dentist. Given the right care and oral hygiene, the root canal tooth can be expected to last for a lifetime like natural teeth.
Are there complications that might arise from root canal therapy?
At times even if the dentist has done enough effort to clean and seal off a tooth, there might arise infections because of an uncleaned tooth, a crack in the root of a tooth that has been undetected, restoration that is defective which allowed bacteria to settle in the inner part of the tooth, or the breakdown of the inner sealing which allows bacteria to get into the inner part of the tooth.
This is often addressed with retreatment and if it won’t work endodontic surgery should be done to save the tooth.
Are there side effects to root canal therapy?
You may experience sensitivity right after root canal therapy. This is quite normal and can be treated with the help of over-the-counter medications. If the pain or the discomfort lasts for more than a few days, you can check with your dentist or the endodontist.
How successful is a root canal procedure?
A root canal is highly successful. It is said that the procedure has more than 95 percent success rate. A lot of teeth that have been fixed with root canal lasted for life.