A root canal is a capillary that runs from the base of the root of the tooth to the middle of the crown (the visible part of the tooth). The root canal carries the pulp (a network of blood and nerve cells), which brings the tooth to life. The nerve of the tooth gets damaged due to many reasons. One of the leading causes is a cavity in the tooth that grows deeper and touches the nerve.
Since the cavity is filled with bacteria, the root canal is inflamed and causes pain. Other reasons that may damage the teeth are accidental cracks or infection from gums reaching the base of roots. In such cases, root canal treatments can quickly stabilize the position.
Root canal treatment is one name that gives many patients shivers when told about it. However, in reality, it is not that bad. In fact, it is an instant pain reliever and the best treatment to retain the original teeth. A Root canal treated tooth serves its purpose and function just as a healthy tooth.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a narrow passage through which the blood vessel & nerves enter the tooth. They travel from the end of the root through the root canal to the pulp chamber in the centre of the tooth. These nerves send pain signals to the brain in response to decay as injury.
What is Root canal treatment?
Removal of the infected nerves & blood vessels from the pulp chamber & root canal is known as Root Canal Treatment. It is professionally called an Endodontic treatment.
How does a root canal get infected?
There are various reasons for infection. The primary reason is decay. Decay spreads from an unattended deep cavity to the pulp chamber & further down to the root canal, leading to pulp infection, known as Pulpitis. This infection can further spread beyond the tip of the tooth leading to an abscess around the tooth in the bone, leading to a more severe infection.
A root canal can also get infected in case of a fractured or injured tooth. Sometimes in case of severe gum infection, the infection/pus travels from the gum to the tooth, necessitating root canal treatments.
How can I know if I require Root Canal Treatment?
The most typical indication of your teeth requiring Root Canal Treatment is pain. Mostly teeth are sensitive to cold sensations or sometimes hot sensations. Sometimes there is tenderness on chewing or even continuous throbbing pain. However, in case of severe chronic infection, a tooth might not be painful but still, necessitate Root Canal Treatment due to the severity of the infection as the infection deadens the nerves & leads to pus accumulation. Swelling in relation to the tooth is also an indication of tooth infection.
Is Root Canal Treatment painful?
The treatment is generally not painful, as a local anesthetic is given before the procedure. This numbs the related area as a result of which one does not experience pain. Also, it is essential to start a course of Antibiotics & Analgesics (Painkillers) before & after treatment. This brings the infection under control, thus minimizing pain.
How is the Root Canal Treatment Procedure carried out?
The procedure varies depending on the severity of the infection. In an acute infection – A single sitting technique is carried out. In a chronic infection – Multiple sitting technique is carried out.
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