What is Root Canal Therapy?

What is Root canal therapy? Or more accurately, what is the procedure for removing the diseased roots of a tooth? Root canal therapy is a dental treatment procedure for an infected tooth that is designed to cause the removal of the decayed pulp and the sealing of the diseased root canal of a tooth. The teeth are not generally affected if the dentist performs this treatment as a routine procedure on the patient after the initial treatment of the disease has ceased. An untreated cavity or a disease tooth produces an acid that eats away at the enamel and roots of the tooth causing it to decay. This causes a painful and highly sensitive condition of the teeth known as a "sensitivity" to hot and cold, among other things.

Root canal therapy removes the damaged pulp from your teeth so it can be replaced by a new healthier one. If the dentist removes the infected tooth root, he or she may also remove the permanent filling or crown along with the gum tissue, and fillings if titanium is used. After the tooth or teeth have healed from the root canal system treatment, the dentist will then place a temporary filling material, called a "curettage," over the tooth. When a permanent filling has been successfully completed and you have completed the required period of rechecking, your permanent filling will be replaced with a durable ceramic or porcelain material that will look just like your original tooth.

One advantage of Root canal filling is that it is considerably less expensive than most other tooth replacements, such as dentures or bridges. Root canals can also be performed with minimal or no recurrence of dental infections. The following is the basic procedure for Root canal filling. Please consult your dentist for additional information.

During the procedure, the dentist makes an incision into the gums where the damaged tooth is embedded, and he or she simultaneously removes the infected or decayed pulp tissue. Once the diseased pulp tissue has been removed, the teeth are gently reshaped so that they mirror the natural shape of the teeth. The temporary filling will remain in place until the permanent filling has been completed, and it will be replaced at that time.

The temporary adhesive will remain in place for approximately four to six weeks, and a permanent crown will be installed within one to two weeks. During this period of time, you will be instructed to avoid any type of chewing, and you will have to avoid eating hard foods that could irritate the gum tissue. You will be asked to use minimal oral hygiene, and you will not be allowed to eat or drink anything after the completion of the root canal therapy.

At home, you may experience some swelling or soreness, but these are normal symptoms. You will not be permitted to chew or drink anything during the procedure, and if you try to do either of these things, the procedure may be interrupted. If the infection is not contained within the root canal, it could spread to other parts of your mouth. Your dentist may advise you to refrain from performing any oral hygiene routine, including flossing and brushing your teeth. A root canal only allows a dentist to remove the affected or infected tissue; it cannot be used to prevent future tooth decay or gum disease.

Root canal treatments are performed on an outpatient basis, and most patients are released from the hospital and treated in their own rooms. An overnight stay may be required, and the stitches will be removed when the stitches are removed. If you have any type of deep wound, it will be necessary for your physician to use a suture or stitch it closed after the treatment. It is possible for the infected or inflamed blood vessels to be re-infested.

The average time for root canal treatments is between one and three hours. The procedure can be done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, or in an ambulatory surgery center. Patients can be released from the hospital on the same day as the procedure if there is no further need for treatment. Most doctors choose the ambulatory option for this procedure because it is less costly than the hospital-based option. Your doctor will explain the procedure and the potential complications once you have been scheduled for a consultation.