Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that concerns the dental pulp and tissues located at the root of a tooth. Our dentists who specialise in this field aim to save your teeth by treating the soft pulp tissue within them. This procedure is called root canal treatment, and it utilises state-of-the-art technologies and techniques to treat the underlying condition and retain your natural tooth. We will explore this treatment and its procedure in-depth in this article.
What is a root canal treatment?
It is a dental procedure that involves the removal of the dental pulp. The latter is the tooth’s center composed of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Our dentists specialising in endodontics recommend treating the root canal if the pulp becomes inflamed, infected, or injured. Even if the pulp is extracted, the tooth’s crown, which is the visible white part above the gums, remains intact.
The procedure is typically recommended if we detect the following:
- Deep decay caused by an untreated cavity
- Damage in the tooth such as a chip or crack
- Tooth injury
- Multiple treatments for the same tooth
The procedure is carried out in the dental clinic. When you arrive, a practitioner will accompany you to the treatment room and help you get prepared. Our dentist will then administer a numbing solution to your gum near the affected tooth. Once it has adequately taken effect, a local anaesthetic will be injected into the same area to ensure that the treatment will be painless.
What is the procedure?
The procedure is carried out in the dental clinic. When you arrive, a technician will accompany you to the treatment room and help you get prepared. Our dentist will then administer a numbing solution to your gum near the affected tooth. Once it has adequately taken effect, a local anesthetic will be injected into the same area to ensure that the treatment will be painless.
We will begin the procedure by opening the top of the tooth and removing the damaged or infected pulp using specialised tools. After removing the pulp and root canals, we will apply a topical antibiotic to eliminate the infection and prevent future issues. The canals will then be disinfected and filled with a sealer paste and a material called gutta-percha. We will then do a temporary filling and prescribe oral antibiotics to help with any inflammation.
You will then be required to have a follow-up procedure to examine your tooth and ensure that it has healed. Upon confirmation, the temporary filling will be removed and replaced by a permanent one. If you want to improve the appearance of your tooth, you could opt for a dental crown which will give it a natural look.
What is the purpose of the treatment?
Dentists generally recommend a root canal treatment instead of tooth extraction because it helps retain your tooth. As the crown is intact after the procedure, you will not lose any functionality. You can still chew food without an issue, and your bite will not be compromised.
If you have a tooth extracted and do not opt for a dental implant, you could suffer additional problems. As the missing tooth creates a gap, more pressure is applied on the surrounding teeth to chew food, weakening them. The other teeth may also shift and move into the space affecting your appearance. One of the most significant issues caused by a tooth extraction is that the exposed gum is at a much higher risk of infection and injury, which could cause pain and additional expenses.
We recommend undergoing the procedure if it is possible to save your tooth via a root canal treatment. It avoids unnecessary complications and is a cost-effective option when compared to dental implants. If you suffer from toothaches or other issues, ensure to contact us at American Dental Clinic, our dentists will help you select the best solution for your condition.
