Have you ever gone to a dentist or an endodontist because of a toothache, cracked tooth or a possible infection and he or she suggested that you need root canal treatment? You may have started to quiver inside just thinking about the possible pain that comes with it, but root canals are safe treatments. Each year, millions of teeth are healed and preserved through this procedure. Therefore, you must educate yourself about what root canals are all about.

Tooth Anatomy

Before you are able to comprehend what root canal treatment is, let us first give you a small insight into the anatomy of the tooth. The outer part of the tooth is the enamel, and is usually white; underneath it, there is a hard layer called dentin, which serves as a support for the enamel, preventing fractures whenever you bite or chew something. Below the dentin, there is a soft tissue known as the pulp. The pulp consists of blood vessels, connective tissue and nerves, which form the neighboring hard flesh of the tooth as it matures.

This pulp stretches from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots where it finally attaches to the tissues surrounding the root. Keep in mind the pulp is crucial during a tooth’s growth and development. Nonetheless, the tooth is able to survive without the pulp when it is finally mature. This is due to the fact that the surrounding tissues are able to sustain the tooth. This pulp can be damaged in many ways.

Causes of Pulp Damage

• A crack or chip in the tooth
• Deep decay on the tooth caused by repeated dental procedures
• Injury to a tooth, both recent or old

If the pulp inside the root canal becomes damaged, inflamed or infected, it must be treated thoroughly. Whenever the pulp is damaged, it will start to break down and the bacteria located within the root canal will commence multiplying. Both the bacteria and the tooth residue can produce an infection, and if not treated, it can lead to an abscessed tooth. An abscess is basically a cavity filled with pus that builds within the root canal and it can extend to the ends of the roots of the tooth.

An untreated abscess can bring serious complications:

• bone loss in the vicinity of the root’s tip
• swelling that can extend to the neck, face or head
• A fistula or hole can form through the side of the tooth and produce draining issues into the gums, or more severely, through the cheeks.

Many decades ago, all damaged or diseased pulps meant that the teeth had to be removed, however, root canal treatment has been able to save many teeth that were thought to be dead. This is why any pulp damage must be treated effectively to endodontic treatment.

Signs and Symptoms

If you are experiencing the following symptoms, then you may be in need of a root canal and must seek dental healthcare.

1.  acute pain when you bite or chew
2. a cracked or chipped tooth
3. Gums are swollen or tender to touch
4. Darkening of the gums
5. Persistent sensitivity to hot or cold, even after proper treatment

Endodontic Treatment

Endodontic treatment, or commonly known as root canal treatment, is basically the removal of the tooth’s pulp. The dentist in Newport News proceeds to thoroughly purge the damaged or infected pulp, cautiously cleans and shapes the interior of the root canal, and finally fills the space. Once this is done, they will seal off the root canal.

Normally, all the process takes two appointment schedules as you must return afterward so your dentist can situate a crown or any other treatment on the tooth so it can be recovered to full function.

Brief step-by-step procedure

1.  Your dentist will apply anesthesia to diminish to the tooth’s sensitivity.
2. Utilizing a small drill, your dentist will then proceed to form an opening in the top portion of the tooth so it will be granted access to the interior of the tooth.
3. Consequently, the dentist will use a small file to dispose off the damaged or infected pulp. Using similar files, he will also shape the inner chamber and root.

When all the injured pulp is cleaned, he will irrigate the cavity with water to wash away any pulp residue. An antibacterial mix might also be used to reduce the risk of infection.

1. Finally, your dentist will fill the root canal and seal the opening with a temporary filling.
2. In the following visit, the temporary filling is removed and a crown is placed over the tooth so it can be restored to its original state and appearance. The following visit will occur within the next few weeks.
3. A small post inside the root canal might be required to stabilize the crown, depending on the tooth’s overall condition.

Post-procedure

You will likely feel numb for about two to four hours as the anesthesia wears off. It is recommended to not consume anything until the numbness has completely disappeared. You will feel a mild sore once the numbness dissipates.

In the first few days after the procedure, your tooth will be highly sensitive so follow your dentist’s instructions on prescription medications or the use of over-the-counter pain relievers. If you start to experience severe pain or bleeding, seek immediate help.

Proper Dental Care

Any tooth that is treated or restored can endure a lifetime you take all the safety precautions and maintain good oral hygiene.

After a root canal treatment, it is advised to:

• Avoid eating chewy or hard foods, such as apples, tacos, fried food
• Be careful around the site where the root canal treatment was done
• Brush your teeth twice a day

It is also recommended to:

1. Reduce smoking as smokers have a higher probability of needing root canal treatment
2. Drink lukewarm liquids to reduce tooth sensitivity until it is fully restored.
3. Have periodical dental visits to ensure all signs of infections are eliminated, including X-rays to determine all healing is done properly.

Is additional treatment necessary?

In certain scenarios, your dentist can discover additional small canals that are curved or too narrow that were not treatable in the initial root canal treatment. Also, if you suffer any other type of injury, like a broken filling or a cracked tooth, these new conditions can also lead to pulp damage.

Therefore, a root canal treatment is an effective approach to preserve your teeth and save your smile.