Root Canals

Root Canal Treatment is also known as Endodontic Treatment that is derived from Greek words, "endo" meaning "inside," and "odont" meaning "tooth." The procedure of root canal helps in removing the entire internal parts, mainly pulp chamber of the tooth and involves in the filling of the prepared unfilled cavity with a proper bio-compatible material. The procedure of root canal is prepared and advised only when the tooth can not compensate restoring material in a small cavity on the surface. The procedure entails the extraction of the nervous elements of the tooth which have been infected or decayed already due to microbial action, germ attack or by any physical pressures and it is called a root canal therapy or root canal treatment. Sometimes it happens that germs enter in the tooth pulp and cause an infection in the root tip and jaw bone, leading to a swelling, which may go on to damage bone around the teeth. This is the only procedure to get ride of from decayed pulp of tooth that hampers a patient's dental health and facial appearance.

The procedure begins with overall diagnosis of patient's teeth by the dentist. A rubber dam kit, that is a rubber sheet fixed with the help of clamps or clips around the tooth which is going to be treated, is used to isolate the tooth area. This separation helps in operation for the dentist in such a way that it prevents the entry of mixing of fluids from the motor and the saliva in the mouth that eases the treatment. Then an endodontist extracts the diseased tooth pulp and entire area of tooth is then cleaned and sealed. Medicines may be placed in the interior of pulp chamber to get rid of bacteria to prevent infection. At the end of procedure of root filling, sometimes proper and aesthetic regular cement filling (also known as crown) is done over it.

Anesthesia is not necessary for this procedure but sometime root canal treatment is performed by using anesthesia depending on the doctor and magnitude of treatment. But the surrounding areas of tooth are completely numbed with one or more injections of local anesthesia to make the patient more relaxed. It is misperception of many people that root canal is very painful and with a long recovery; however, truth is that the recuperation time is quite short and is eased with painkillers. Pain and swelling can be experienced for a few days after root canal therapy, but it diminishes with medication provided by dentist to counter the pain.