A tooth cavity can be distressing and can be a cause of great concern, especially if it involves the pulp. The pulp is a part of the tooth that forms the inner core, consisting of nerves and blood vessels. Unlike regular cavities, these can cause painful symptoms, negatively impacting your routine life.
The facility for family dental care in Oak Lawn, IL, consists of experienced dental specialists who offer high-quality root canal treatments to restore the interior of a decayed tooth and protect it from further damage.
What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy (RCT), or endodontic treatment, is a common dental procedure. It involves the removal of the inflamed or infected pulp from inside the canal(s) of a tooth, followed by careful cleaning and disinfection. The empty canal is then filled and sealed with a biocompatible material. Since the tooth is weak and fragile post-RCT, it is restored with a permanent crown. RCT relieves painful symptoms, eliminating the need for extractions.
Who is an ideal candidate for root canal therapy?
You are a suitable candidate for an RCT if you suffer from:
- Deep dental decay
- Severe tooth pain while chewing or biting (application of pressure)
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Tooth discoloration
- Trauma to the tooth
- Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold, even after removing the stimuli
- Swollen and tender gums
- Pus discharge near the gum line due to an abscess
What is the procedure involved in root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy is a safe procedure that can be performed in one to two appointments.
The steps are as follows:
First Visit
- Your doctor will isolate the affected tooth using a rubber dam and numb the area with local anesthesia.
- Using ultrasonic instruments, your dentist will remove the decay and debris from the tooth surface.
- An access opening will be made to expose the infected pulp.
- The root canals will be located and cleaned to flush out the bacteria and debris. Ultrasonic files will help prepare the canals and later fill them with gutta-percha. This process is known as the biomechanical preparation of the canals.
- The tooth will then be restored with a temporary filling.
Second visit
- Once the RC-treated tooth heals, your dentist will remove the temporary filling and restore it with a permanent one.
- Full mouth impressions will be taken and sent to the lab for the fabrication of a crown.
Crown placement
- Once the crown is ready, you will called for the final crown cementation.
- Your dentist will check the crown fit and the bite, making necessary corrections if required.
Root canal therapies are excellent alternatives to extraction. These dental procedures retain the natural tooth structure, thereby restoring the oral form, function, and aesthetics.