What Is Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, helps to eliminate infections and inflammation within tooth canals. The term “endodontic treatment” comes from the Greek words “endo,” which means “inside,” and “odont,” which means “tooth.” Therefore, inside the tooth, specifically in the pulp, there are blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. Sometimes, problems can occur in this area. In such cases, the dentist needs to remove the inflamed pulp, sterilize the canal, and place a filling or crown. This is what root canal treatment is in simple terms.
When Are Root Canals Necessary?
Infections inside the tooth are caused by bacteria that live in the oral cavity and form plaque on the tooth’s surface. If proper dental hygiene is not observed, or if sugary or starchy foods are consumed, bacteria can multiply rapidly. They can penetrate inside the tooth through untreated cavities or damage to the tooth itself. These bacteria can lead to inflammation of the pulp, which a dentist can detect through X-ray examination.
Neglecting endodontic treatment can result in the spread of infection, the formation of abscesses and swelling in the mouth, neck, or face, and the deterioration of the tooth’s bone structure. Therefore, it’s important not to delay visiting the dentist. Root canal treatment is a painless and crucial procedure.
Symptoms Indicating Tooth Canal Disease
Sometimes, inflammation of tooth canals can be asymptomatic and only detected during routine X-ray examinations. However, there are cases where symptoms become noticeable and indicate inflammation of the tooth canals. These symptoms may include:
- Persistent or pain upon pressure deep inside the tooth
- Sensitivity to hot and cold drinks or food
- Swelling of the gums or jaw
- Darkening of the tooth enamel
If you experience one or several of these symptoms, do not delay and seek professional dental care at the Yarema Dental dental clinic in Kyiv.
How Does Endodontic Treatment Work?
Before beginning root canal treatment, the dentist will take an X-ray, which allows an assessment of the extent of canal involvement. The procedure then typically involves the following steps:
Local Anesthesia: The dentist will numb the area where the procedure will take place.
Access to the Affected Area: If you have an existing filling, the dentist will remove it, or if there is no filling, they will create an opening in the tooth.
Removal of the Pulp: Using a microscope, the dentist will remove the inflamed pulp and nerves. Sometimes, if the nerves are not severely damaged, the dentist may choose to treat them with infection-killing medication. Microscopic treatment offers several advantages, such as:
- High precision for seeing even the tiniest root canals
- Reduced risk of complications
- Maximum preservation of healthy tissue around the tooth
- Detection of all, even nearly invisible, defects and problems
Canal Cleaning: After removing the inflamed tissue, the dentist will sterilize the root canals. The canals are then filled with a sealing material, usually gutta-percha, to prevent further bacterial growth.
Sealing the Tooth: At the end of the procedure, the dentist will seal the tooth with a filling or place a crown if the tooth is significantly damaged and requires additional protection.
Root canal treatment typically takes from one to several hours. However, if a more comprehensive infection treatment or crown placement is needed, the procedure may be completed in multiple visits. Properly performed root canal treatment can save your teeth for decades, if not a lifetime.
Qualities of a Good Endodontist
Lastly, a few words about the qualities of a professional endodontist. Above all, they should have excellent communication skills, be attentive and precise, stress-resistant, inquisitive, and interested. A true specialist should be able to work in a team, be ethical, show empathy towards the patient, and strive for constant improvement.
Such are the qualities of the dentists at the Yarema Dental dental clinic in Kyiv. If you’re dealing with problems in your tooth canals, don’t hesitate to consult our professional endodontists – we’ll help you preserve your tooth health!