Root canal
A root canal is the hollow section of the root of the tooth filled with the pulp. The pulp is the tooth’s soft center which possesses blood vessels, connective tissues, and large nerves. The blood vessels in the pulp supply blood to the teeth. Read More
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Root canal
Table of contents
What is a root canal?
A root canal is the hollow section of the root of the tooth filled with the pulp. The pulp is the tooth’s soft center which possesses blood vessels, connective tissues, and large nerves. The blood vessels in the pulp supply blood to the teeth.
Structurally, the tooth is made up of two parts:
- Crown – this is the top part of the tooth found above the gum line,
- Root – this is the bottom part of the tooth that connects the tooth to the jawbone.
The pulp is located within the crown and the root. The pulp nerves are sensitive to temperature changes. When a pulp becomes infected or injured, the tissue dies because it cannot repair itself.
The name root canal can sometimes refer to the dental procedure performed on the root canal. Also called endodontics, a root canal involves removing the pulp from inside the tooth. A root canal treatment is done when there is an injury sustained by the pulp or when it has an infection. The procedure is done to prevent future infections of the tooth. The crown, which is the visible part of the tooth, is usually unaffected by the death of the pulp. To preserve the structure of the teeth, the removal of an inflamed or injured pulp is necessary.
Causes of Pulp Damages
The pulp can become damaged due to the following reasons:
- infections,
- a crack in the tooth,
- having more than one dental procedure on the same tooth
- tooth decay that may affect the pulp,
- tooth injuries sustained from hitting the mouth, etc.
A Case Study of a Damaged Pulp
When there is a small opening in the tooth as a result of a crack or loose filling, bacteria can creep into the pulp, destroying it in the process. The condition becomes worse as the bone can be infected if the bacteria enter the root openings. Once the bone is infected, it becomes weak. The ligaments surrounding the tooth will become inflamed, causing the tooth to loosen.
Symptoms of a Damaged Pulp
Some common symptoms that indicate that an individual’s pulp is damaged include:
- pains in the teeth,
- swelling of the gum,
- heat sensation in the gum,
If the affected tooth is not treated on time, the infection will spread, and the pulp will die. The following symptoms may arise:
- more pains
- swollen gum
- pus
- swelling of the cheek or jaw
- the color of the tooth becomes darker
While some individuals may experience pain when chewing, others may suffer continuous pain. If not treated on time, the infection spreads, and the tooth may require an extraction.
Diagnosis
For proper diagnosis of the condition, the dentist has to carry out some tests first. A painful tooth will be carefully examined, and a confirmation may be done with the use of X-rays.
Root Canal Treatment
Also known as endodontics, this procedure is performed by a dentist or an endodontist to help treat infections at the pulp. The treatment procedure is discussed below.
- Anesthetic – Before the procedure begins, the individual must have been given local anesthesia. On the gum closest to the affected tooth, a small quantity of numbing medication is placed. To numb the pain caused by the procedure, a local anesthetic is then injected into the gums, which may cause a sharp pinch.
- Pulp Removal – The endodontist or dentist performing the procedure will then make a small incision on the crown. This act will expose the pulp so that it becomes visible. With the aid of files, the medical professional will carefully remove the damaged pulp. The canals will then be cleaned up.
- Antibiotics – To prevent reinfection, topical antibiotics are applied to coat the area from which the pulp was removed. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed. After the removal of the pulp, a sealer paste and a rubber-like material are used to seal the tooth. The rubber-like material is called gutta-percha.
- Temporal Filling – The procedure comes to an end with the filling of the tooth that was incised. The small opening that was made by the incision is cleaned, shaped, and decontaminated with the use of files and solutions of irrigation. It is filled with a soft, temporary material to prevent the saliva from damaging the canals. To seal the canals properly, adhesive cement is used.
Post Root Canal Treatment
It is normal to have a sore feeling in the mouth and even swollen gum after the procedure. Post-procedure symptoms may also include mild pain and sensitivity. The dentist will prescribe over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help with these symptoms. However, if after a few days the pain persists, the individual should call the dentist.
After the procedure, the individual is advised to avoid chewing with the tooth that was worked on. The individual may resume using the tooth after the crown has been replaced or a permanent filing has been done. The inflamed tissue close to the tooth will heal on its own in most cases.
Visit the dentist for follow-up after a couple of days. This is done to ensure that the infection has gone entirely with the use of X-rays. Then a permanent filling of the tooth will be carried out. On request, the dentist may insert a permanent crown on the tooth. The inserted crown will help prevent any damage to the tooth.
As a restorative procedure, root canal treatment results are determined by an individual’s oral hygiene. After the procedure, an individual must take proper care of their teeth, including the restored tooth.
Prevention and Care of the Tooth
Some dental routines that can be practiced include the following listed below.
- Regular brushing of the teeth
- Daily flossing
- Avoiding sugary foods
- Going for a regular dental checkup
- Quitting smoking
Risks Associated with a Root Canal
The procedure aims to save the damaged tooth, but sometimes the tooth may be beyond saving. Several factors may cause tooth loss, such as:
- when the damage affects the enamel,
- when the damage is too deep,
- the development of an abscess at the root (bottom) of the tooth.
An individual may develop an abscess if the antibiotics used are ineffective or if all the infected material of the tooth is not completely taken off.
Compilations that may arise from the procedure include:
- Reoccurrence of the infection if the filling material does not fill up the canal and if it is not properly sealed
- Filling the tooth may be difficult if there is a crack in the root of the tooth or instruments used during the procedure break in the canal.
- If the dentist cannot find and treat all damaged root canals, the infection will continue to spread.
Sometimes due to the fears of these risks, an individual may choose to ask the dentist to perform a tooth extraction rather than a root canal. An extraction involves completely removing the damaged tooth. The dentist can replace the tooth with a partial denture, bridge, or implant. Complete removal of the tooth may cause other teeth to move. This may result in an unsightly-looking dentition.
FAQ
The cost of a root canal may vary. However, compared to a tooth extraction involving a replacement with a crown or bridge, a root canal is a less expensive option.
Usually, the pain caused by a root canal is due to the infection and not the procedure. After the procedure, a person may feel pain, but it does not hurt for long. The pain may last for a couple of days.
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