What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment: A dentist’s expert opinion

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is a common dental procedure used to treat damaged or infected teeth. It involves the removal of the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth, which can cause severe pain, sensitivity, and swelling. Root canal treatment can save a damaged or infected tooth, prevent the spread of infection, and restore function and comfort to the patient.

See our lists of dentists and root canal specialists near you that can carry out the treatment for you.

Who needs root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment becomes a treatment option (the other option is to extract the tooth) when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or damaged due to deep decay, trauma, cracks or fractures, or repeated dental procedures. If left untreated, an infected or damaged pulp can cause severe pain, sensitivity, and swelling, and the infection can spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening. Root canal treatment can relieve the pain and sensitivity caused by an infected or damaged tooth, preserve the tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted, and prevent the spread of infection, improving overall oral health.

Procedures of root canal treatment

Usually the root canal treatments takes 2 to 3 visits with 2-3 weeks apart. During the first visit, the treatment involves several steps. The first step is to numb the affected tooth and the surrounding area with a local anesthetic. This ensures that the patient is comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. Once the tooth is numb, the dentist will create an access cavity( opening in the top of the tooth) to access the pulp chamber.

The next step is to remove the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth using specialized tools such as K files and rotary files (eg: Protaper, Edgetaper Nickel Titanium files). This step requires great skill and expertise as it is important to ensure complete removal of the pulp to prevent future infection or inflammation. After the pulp has been removed, the dentist will clean and shape the inside of the tooth to prepare it for filling.

They may use an antimicrobial solution (such as sodium hypochlorite or milton) to disinfect the tooth and reduce the risk of infection. Once the tooth is clean and dry, the dentist will fill the space with a rubbery material called gutta-percha. This material seals the tooth and prevents bacteria from entering the root canal. This usually happens during the second visits.

Will I experience pain post operative?

After the procedure, the patient may experience some mild discomfort and sensitivity, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers such as Panadol or Voltaren. In most cases, a permanent filling will be placed on top of the gutta-percha to protect the tooth while it heals. The patient will be instructed to avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent filling or crown is placed. A crown is typically placed within after 6 months of the root canal procedure to provide long-term protection and support to the tooth.

Risks and complications

Like any medical procedure, root canal treatment carries some risks and potential complications, such as incomplete removal of the infected or damaged pulp, damage to the surrounding teeth or gums, infection or inflammation of the surrounding tissues, or failure of the root canal to heal, requiring additional treatment. However, the risk of complications is relatively low, and most patients experience a successful outcome with no long-term issues. Success rate of root canal treatment is about 80-90%.

What should I do after root canal treatment?

After a root canal, it is important to take good care of the treated tooth to ensure proper healing and prevent further damage. This includes avoiding hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for several days after the procedure, brushing and flossing regularly to maintain good oral hygiene, scheduling regular dental checkups to monitor the health of the treated tooth, and seeking prompt treatment if any new symptoms or issues arise.

Final Word

Root canal treatment is a safe and effective procedure that can save a damaged or infected tooth, prevent the spread of infection, and restore function and comfort to the patient. With proper care and attention, a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment can last a lifetime, preserving the natural tooth structure and maintaining overall oral health.

References:

1. American Association of Endodontists. (n.d.). Root canal treatment. https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/
2. American Dental Association. (2019). Root canals. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/r/root-canals
3. International Endodontic Journal. (2020). International consensus on the definition and classification of root canal treatment outcome. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/iej.13351
4. Sathorn, C., Parashos, P., & Messer, H. (2007). Antibacterial efficacy of calcium hydroxide intracanal dressing: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International Endodontic Journal, 40(1), 2-10.
5. Torabinejad, M., & Walton, R. E. (2017). Endodontics: Principles and Practice. Elsevier.