It is quite common that tooth sensitivity levels will vary and become the cause of severe pain especially during the consumption of hot or cold foods or beverages. These signs may indicate that the nerve within the tooth is infected and that root canal treatment is crucial to alleviate the pain and resolve the underlying nerve issue.
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is also called endodontic treatment, and that is a dental procedure that involves a treatment that is applied to a tooth that has been infected or is simply damaged, reaching the tooth pulp, which are those soft tissues that form the innermost layer of the tooth. Treatment is usually needed when the pulp has become inflamed or infected as a result of deep tooth decay, trauma, or repeated dental procedures.
How does root infection happen?
Infections typically happen when bacteria have penetrated the pulp, this pulp is known to be the soft tissue inside the tooth that includes nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. That mostly happens with damaged teeth if they are left untreated and bacteria gradually reach the nerve over time. Common causes include:
- Tooth decay: If a cavity goes untreated, it penetrates further into the tooth until it hits the pulp. At this point, bacteria inside the decay infect the pulp, causing infection.
- Pulp can also be exposed to bacteria through cracks or chips in the tooth, through which the bacteria breach the root canal system to cause an infection.
- Advanced gum disease may lead to the recession of the gums and create pockets where bacteria can accumulate. The bacteria can eventually reach the roots and cause infection.
- if teeth have undergone several dental treatments, there may be some damage to such teeth; increasing the risk of infection, especially when these fillings leak through.
- Trauma to the tooth itself can also be incurred, even if there is no apparent damage, which may, at times, progress down the line to influence the pulp, causing an infection.
It is crucial to know these causes to be cautious against these root infections and seek timely treatment to avoid complications.
Tooth structure
A tooth is made up of two major parts:
- Crown: represents the visible portion of the tooth that is exposed above the gum line.
- The Root: That part extends into the jawbone, giving one the most secure anchorage to hold a tooth in its place.
Each tooth is basically constructed with a few key elements:
- The enamel is considered to be a hard, outer protective layer.
- The dentine is a softer material, which supports the enamel and comprises the greater part of the tooth.
- The cementum is a hard covering of the root surface.
- Dental Pulp: a soft tissue located at the center of the tooth and holding the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues.
The root canal system, which houses the dental pulp, runs from the crown down to the tip of the root. On the other hand, a single tooth may have multiple root canals.
This design enables teeth to endure the applied chewing forces while staying vital and connected to surrounding tissues.
What are the symptoms of root canal infection?
Initially, individuals may experience:
- Unusual pain; experienced when consuming cold or hot foods and drinks.
- Sensitivity of teeth alongside severe pain when biting or chewing.
- A loose tooth may be a sign of an infection that has developed over a longer period
With time, the following symptoms might disappear periodically as the pulp dies and may make it seem as though the tooth is healing on its own
. But it is not correct. The truth is the infection would have gone down the root canal system. Further symptoms might then appear, which include:
- Returning pain when biting or chewing may indicate that the infection is still there.
- Swelling in the gum around the infected tooth is a sign of inflammation.
- A swollen cheek or jaw may indicate that the infection is about to into the surrounding tissues.
What factors determine the need for canal treatment?
If you are suffering from these symptoms, it may be a signal to take a look inside your tooth, meaning an immediate visit to a dentist. The dentist will thoroughly check you and, most likely, will ask you for dental X-rays to see the condition and the damage level of your tooth.
These X-rays are used to recognize any instances of pulp infection that have been well-disposed by bacterial infections. If the pulp of the tooth is infected the X-rays will signify, as a result, it will require root canal treatment.
Consequently, to save the tooth and keep your overall dental health optimum, it is recommended that early interventions be done.
Step-by-step guide of how the treatment is done
- The procedure begins with a complete oral examination. The dentist records the patient’s complaints, and reviews X-rays, to discover the extent of the tooth damage or infection.
- The dentist, as a primary function, injects an anesthetic into the affected tooth and the area that may be causing pain to make the procedure comfortable and painless for the patients.
- A small rubber dam will isolate the tooth and keep it moisture- and saliva-free.
- A small access is then made by a dentist into the crown of the tooth for access to the pulp chamber and root canals.
- After that, special instruments are used by the dentist to remove infected or unhealthy pulp tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals. This is a very crucial step for the removal of bacteria and infection itself.
- Afterward, the canals are cleaned and shaped by the dentist in preparation for filling.
- The teeth are then filled with a biocompatible material and the canals are sealed to prevent reinfection in the future.
- The opening made in the crown gets filled with a temporary or permanent filling for the protection of the tooth from contamination.
- As per the tooth’s state, the dentist might suggest more restoration through the installation of a crown to achieve natural function and appearance.
Root canal treatment at El-Shenawy Dental Centers
El-Shenawy Dental Centers excels in maintaining oral health. With a highly skilled team utilizing advanced equipment, including dental microscopes for high-precision operations and nerve vitality detection devices, El-Shenawy Dental Centers minimize pain during dental procedures and increase the longevity of fillings.
At El-Shenawy clinics, root treatments can often be completed in just one session, ensuring a painless experience with a high success rate.
Why choose El-Shenawy dental centers for your oral health
By choosing El-Shenawy Dental Centers for your oral health, you are choosing a quality procedure when it comes to root canal treatments. These centers have one of the most specialized medical teams, highly experienced in performing treatments related to root canals with the latest technologies for patients’ comfort and better treatment results.
The centers ensure cleanliness and sterilization, therefore creating an environment that is safe for all patients.
Second to none and committed to excellence, El-Shenawy Dental Centers takes care of your oral health with the utmost care.
Book your consultation with us today to ensure long-lasting results.
Frequently asked questions
- Is root canal treatment painful?
Generally, it isn’t painful to undertake root canal treatment as it is performed under local anesthesia.
- Is it obligatory to place a crown after the treatment?
Placing a crown after root canal treatment is indispensable because it serves as the tooth’s protection and ensures fillings last longer.