ROOT CANAL

A root canal treatment is recommended when an infected and significantly damaged tooth needs repairing in order to save it. This degree of damage is usually a result of cracked tooth enamel, a deep cavity, or trauma. The procedure includes several steps, beginning with X-rays followed by the removal of the damaged section of tooth pulp under local anesthesia, also known as a pulpectomy.

The inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected and filled with a gutta-percha material and sealed. A crown or filling will restore the tooth after the root canal treatment has occurred.

Root canal treatment would be necessary if you have an aching tooth with an inflammation and infection in the roots. This treatment will relieve the pain and save your tooth.

It is done with local anesthesia so you won't feel pain during treatment. But after root canal is performed, you may feel pain for a few days which’s symptoms could be treated with painkiller tablets.

STEP-BY-STEP ROOT CANAL

Anesthesia : Root canal is performed with local anesthesia that will be injected into your gum near the effected toot. ( Although in China , because they believe injecting anesthesia would harm your brain , they perform it without local anesthesia. )

Removing the Pulp : Pulp is the soft centre of your tooth and it is full with nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues. All these helps a tooth to grow. By making a small hole at the top of the tooth, dentist has space to clean the pulp from nerves that will ease the pain you are suffering.

Antibiotics : After cleaning and disinfecting the pulp and canals, dentist will put antibiotics into the canals to cure the inflammation and infection. Then seal the tooth. And this process mostly supported by oral antibiotics that will be prescribed by your dentist.

Temporary Filling : With a temporary filling the hole on the top of the tooth will be closed until the second appointment. Please avoid chewing food with this particular tooth until the treatment is completed.

On your second visit, which will be scheduled by your dentist, you will get another x-ray to control the changes on the infection area. According to the intensity of the inflammation , healing medicine that is put in the roots could be replaced if dentists sees it necessary. If the healing is completed, your dentist will make a proper close up for the roots, and put a permanent filling.

It is mostly advised to cover a root canal treated tooth with a crown for protection.

AFTER TREATMENT

To help avoid the need for a root canal in the first place, adopt an healthy oral hygiene routine by brushing twice daily with a silica toothpaste.

Take care of your root canaled tooth just like the rest of your tooth, brush and floss regularly and see your dentist for regular check-ups at least once a year.