Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to treat a tooth that has an infection or damage to the root or pulp (pulp) to help the tooth remain in the mouth and prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body. Root canal treatment is often used when the tooth has a problem or damage that is too deep for a filling to handle.
When is root canal treatment necessary ?
Root canal treatment is performed when there is a problem or damage to the tooth that affects the pulp (the tissue inside the tooth), which can occur for a number of reasons, such as:
• Severe tooth decay: Decay that is so deep it affects the pulp or root of the tooth.
• Injured or broken teeth. Teeth that have been broken or impacted so hard that the pulp is damaged.
• Root Canal Infection: Infection caused by untreated tooth decay in its early stages can lead to inflammation of the tooth root or infection of the tissues inside the tooth.
Root canal treatment procedure
Root canal treatment may take 1-3 times and the treatment steps are as follows:
Dental examination
• The dentist will examine the tooth using an X-ray to see if the pulp or root has been damaged.
• If the tooth is infected, the dentist will determine if a root canal treatment is necessary to eliminate the infection.
Local anesthesia
• The dentist will inject local anesthesia into the area to be treated so that the patient does not feel pain during the treatment process.
Dental cavity opening
• The dentist will make an opening in the tooth to access the infected or damaged pulp.
Removal of dental pulp
• The dentist will remove infected tissue or nerve tissue from the pulp and root canal to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the tooth or the body.
Cleaning and disinfection
• After removal of the pulp, the dentist cleans the canal with an antiseptic and widens the root canal to accommodate the filling.
Root Canal Filling
• Once the root canal is cleaned, the dentist will place a special filling designed to seal the root canal to prevent re-infection.
Dental crowns
(if necessary)
• Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment are often weakened due to removal of infected tissue and treatment that makes the tooth less able to withstand the chewing forces it once did. In addition, most teeth that require root canal treatment have extensive decay or damage, and there is less healthy tooth structure left, resulting in less strength.
• In some cases, your dentist may recommend a crown to strengthen the tooth and prevent future fracture.
Advantages of Root Canal Treatment
Long-lasting dental care
• Root canal treatment allows a damaged or infected tooth to remain in the mouth without the need for extraction.
Prevent infection
• Removing infected tissue helps prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body.
Reduce pain
• After root canal treatment, it will help reduce the pain caused by root canal infection.
Can keep teeth
Root canal treatment allows an infected tooth to continue to function instead of having to be extracted.
Disadvantages and risks of root canal treatment
Toothache
• After root canal treatment, some patients may experience tooth sensitivity or pain after treatment.
Tooth fracture
• Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment may become more fragile and may require a crown to prevent fracture.
Reinfection
• In some cases, root canal treatment may not completely eliminate the infection and may cause the tooth to become re-infected.
High cost
• Root canal treatment is often expensive because the procedure is quite complicated and requires specialized materials.
Dental care after root canal treatment
Avoid solid foods
After root canal treatment, avoid eating hard or sticky foods until the crown is placed.
Take care of your oral health
Regular brushing and flossing is important to prevent future infections.
Periodic dental checkups
You should visit your dentist regularly for dental checkups after treatment.
Root canal treatment is an important procedure to save a tooth that has been damaged by decay or severe infection so that the tooth can remain in the mouth and maintain its normal function. This treatment avoids the need for tooth extraction and ensures that the tooth can continue to function in the long term. Although it is expensive and there may be some discomfort after the treatment, it is a safe and effective way to treat infected or damaged teeth.
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