So you have just been to the dentist and you have been told you need a Root Canal and you want to know what a Root Canal is.
Root canals often evoke anxiety and misconceptions, but they are a crucial dental procedure that can save a tooth from extraction. Many people may wonder why they might need a root canal and what the process entails. In this post, we’ll clarify the reasons behind the procedure and try to alleviate any concerns you may have
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental treatment aimed at repairing and saving a tooth that is severely decayed or infected. Each tooth has a soft tissue core, known as pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When this pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to trauma, decay, or other factors, a root canal is necessary to remove the affected pulp and seal the tooth, preventing further infection.
Why Would You Need a Root Canal?
Several common issues may lead to the necessity of a root canal:
- Deep Decay: When cavities are left untreated, they can penetrate the enamel and reach the pulp, causing infection.
- Cracked or Chipped Tooth: A fracture can expose the pulp to bacteria, leading to inflammation and pain.
- Trauma: An injury to the tooth can damage the pulp, even if there’s no visible crack.
- Repeated Dental Procedures: Multiple treatments on a single tooth can lead to pulp damage over time.
Ignoring these issues can result in severe pain and may lead to tooth loss, which is why timely intervention is crucial.
Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
Watch for these symptoms, which may indicate that a root canal is necessary:
- Severe Toothache: Persistent pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure.
- Prolonged Sensitivity: Ongoing sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the stimulus is removed.
- Discoloration: Darkening of the tooth may indicate that the pulp is damaged.
- Swelling and Tenderness: Inflammation around the gums near the affected tooth can signal infection.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to give us a call and make an appointment as soon as possible
The Root Canal Procedure
So what do we do? During a root canal, Dr Saul will take the following steps:
- Diagnosis: We will take X-rays to assess the extent of the damage.
- Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia is administered to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. This will mean you won’t be able to feel what Dr Saul is doing
- Pulp Removal: Dr Saul will create an opening in the tooth and carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp.
- Cleaning and Shaping: The interior of the tooth is cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to remove any remaining bacteria.
- Filling and Sealing: The tooth is filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and sealed to prevent future infection.
Depending on your personal circumstances Dr Saul may recommend a crown to protect the tooth further and restore its function, especially if it was significantly damaged. Research shows that teeth that have had a root canal treatment last longer if the have a crown placed after treatment. It helps to protect the tooth especially when it is on a molar.
Research shows that the number of years that a root canal treated molar tooth lasted, decreased significantly if a crown was not used to fix the tooth. 96% survived after 1 year, 88% survived after 2 years and 36% survived after 5 years. Another research study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11941351/ reported that teeth that had a root canal treatment but not a crown were 6 times more likely to be removed than teeth that had a root canal treatment and a crown.
Conclusion
While the idea of a root canal may be daunting, the reality is that it can save your tooth and alleviate pain. Understanding the reasons for this procedure can help demystify it and encourage proactive dental health. Regular check-ups and addressing dental issues early on are essential for maintaining your oral health.
If you would like to book an appointment with Dr Saul call us on 9225 6564 or book online at www.MendelsohnDental.com.au
We are located in East Perth, easily accessible with public transport and there is also plenty of parking in the area
