What you Should Know About Root Canal？

What is a Root Canal ? 

A root canal is a treatment to repair and save a badlydamaged or infected tooth. The procedure involves removing the damaged area ofthe tooth (the pulp), cleaning and disinfecting it and then filling and sealingit. 

1. What causes a root canal?

Decay - This is the main reasonpatients need root canals. If a cavity becomes large enough, it can enter yourpulp chamber or nerve. If bacteria enters this chamber, it causes pain, andsometimes, an infection.

As a result, a root canal is needed to save your toothand reduce pain.

Trauma - If your tooth cracks orbreaks, there’s a good chance you’ll need a root canal — trauma to your toothcan also expose your pulp chamber, damage your nerve and cause pain.

Again, the nerve will need to be removed to salvageyour tooth.

Additionally, you can have a root canal performed onany tooth with a nerve —meaning front and back teeth alike.

2. How do you know if you need a root canal?

If you remember anything from this post, pleaseremember this: if you’re experiencing tooth pain, pay a visit toyour dentist immediately.

The following symptoms indicate a rootcanal treatment equipment is needed:

• Severe toothache pain from chewing.

• Your tooth hurts longer than it should after exposure to hot or cold temperatures.

• Darkening or discoloration of the tooth.

• Swollen and tender gums surrounding a tooth, or a “rotten” taste in your mouth.

• Dental abscess.      

• If you think you need a root canal, consult your dentist.There are a number of steps that occur over a few office visits.

3. What to expect during a ROOT CANAL?

       X-ray – if a dentist suspects you may need a root canal, he will first take X-rays or examine existing X-rays to show where the decay is located. For example, a portable dental x rays machine 
       
       Anesthesia – local anesthesia is administered to the affected tooth. Contrary to popular belief, a root canal is no more painful than a filling.

       Pulpectomy – an opening is made and the diseased tooth pulp is removed.

       Filling – the roots that have been opened (to get rid of the disease pulp) are filled with gutta-percha material and sealed off with cement.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

4. What happens during the root canal procedure?

During a rootcanal procedure, the infected nerve and pulp are removed. Then, the tooth’sinterior is cleaned and sealed. A crown is placed on top of the affected toothto ensure it maintains its proper function — i.e., chewing. Although sometimesmisconceived to be severely painful, patients report the root canal procedureis the same, if not less painful than filling a cavity.

5. Tips for Care After a ROOT CANAL

A treated andrestored tooth can last a lifetime with proper care. Root canals have a highsuccess rate. Besides, Taking good care of your teeth and gums is a must aftera root canal.  Here are a few ways to take care of your teeth after a rootcanal:

Practice good oral hygiene – brush teeth twice a day, andfloss at least once. Taking care of your teeth can help prevent futureproblems.

Visit the dentist regularly – cleanings and examinationsby dentists and hygienists.

Avoid chewing onhard foods – chewing on hard foods such as ice can cause teeth to break, andcan harm root canals

If you insist doing the following things, we believe that a tooth treated with a root canalcan stay healthy for the rest of your life  with care and attention.
  
Source:  https://www.oyodental.com/What-you-Should-Know-About-Root-Canal