What Is Root Canal Treatment?

You’ve probably heard the term “root canal” before, but never really understood what they actually are. If that’s the case, don’t worry – we’re here to help you understand everything you need to know.

In this article, we’ll be talking all about root canal treatments: what they are, how they work, why they are necessary and why you seek professional assistance from a qualified dentist.

What Is A Root Canal?

“Root canal” is a term that refers to the natural cavity located within the centre of your tooth. 

Inside the tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which is located beneath the white enamel and a layer called dentin. The pulp or pulp chamber contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that aid the growth of the root of your tooth as it develops. 

Once your tooth is fully grown, it can survive without the pulp as the tooth can be nourished by surrounding tissues instead. 

So What Is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment is a type of dental treatment that helps repair and save a severely decayed or infected tooth.

The procedure includes removing the nerve and pulp inside the tooth which prevents surrounding tissues from contracting infections and forming abscesses. Once the nerve and pulp are removed, the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, filled, and then sealed. 

This procedure is usually performed by a dentist, who is a dentist that specialises in anything dental pulp disease or infection-related: causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. 

Some dentists may wait a week before sealing the tooth because they put medication inside the tooth to clear up any infections.

If the root canal has not been completed on the same day of the treatment, then the dentist will place a temporary filling in the exterior hole of the tooth to prevent contaminants from entering.

Why Is The Pulp Removed In A Root Canal Treatment?

It is imperative to remove the pulp because once it is damaged, it breaks down and spreads bacteria within the pulp chamber. This bacteria can cause infection or an abscessed tooth, which takes form as a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the roots of the tooth.

Moreover, infections in the root canal can lead to other issues such as:

• Bone loss around the tip of the root 
• Swelling that may spread to areas of the face, neck, and head
• Discharge of green or yellow pus which can also lead to bad breath.

Teeth can still survive without the nerve, as the nerve just has sensory functions like sensing hot or cold. Its absence will not necessarily affect the daily performance of the tooth.

When Are Signs That I Need Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatments are necessary for instances such as deep cavities, issues from a previous filling, genetics, or a cracked tooth sustained from an injury. 

Examples of other symptoms that indicate you may need a root canal treatment include:

• Pimples on the gum
• A chipped or cracked tooth
• Severe pain while chewing or biting
• Deep darkening or decay of gums
• Swollen or tender gums
• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold even after sensation was removed

Are Root Canal Treatments Painful?

Don’t worry about feeling pain during root canal treatment! Patients are given anesthesia to make sure that the process isn’t painful. It will be like any other normal dental procedure such as regular tooth fillings or getting a wisdom tooth removed.

The only discomfort you might feel is after the procedure, as the root canal may feel slightly sore or numb.

Final Thoughts

Root canal treatments are needed to treat root canals that are deeply infected by bacteria. They are also capable of preventing reinfections of the tooth and help to maintain the integrity of the natural tooth.

There are various symptoms that may indicate you need a root canal treatment but if you aren’t sure, it’s best that you seek advice from a professional.

If you are searching for a dental clinic in the Cranbourne area for root canal treatment or any other dental procedure, then look no further than Shine Dental Group.

Shine Dental Group offers a full array of dental services to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth and are a trusted and reliable dentist in Cranbourne.

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 5995 9789.