Tooth inflammation or infection can be too painful, in addition to causing difficulties in chewing and speaking. These can be caused by bacteria growth in the plaque or tartar accumulated in the teeth or gums. One of the most popular treatments for this condition is root canal treatment.
What Are Root Canals?
The root canal is that hollow part of the tooth that contains the dental pulp that is composed of nerve tissue, blood vessels, and other cells. The pulp nurtures the tooth and provides moisture to the surrounding area. “Root canal” can also refer to the procedure known as endothermic therapy that is performed to eliminate the infectious pulp from the teeth.
The Procedure of Root Canal Treatment
A root canal procedure generally takes three visits. The following are steps taken:
- First, the dentist numbs the infected area with local anesthesia and makes a small hole on the surface of the tooth. Using the hole, the dentist will gently remove the diseased and dead pulp tissue from the tooth.
- Then, the hole is cleaned, reshaped, and disinfected appropriately with the help of tiny files and an irrigation solution. The canals are then sealed completely by filling them up with a rubber-like material.
- Since the tooth is more fragile than before, dentists either seal it with Crowns or Dental fillings.
Benefits of Root Canal Procedure
The benefits of root canal treatment include:
1. Saves the teeth- With the help of root canal therapy, the infection-causing bacteria gets removed, thereby saving the surrounding teeth from getting infected. Not only this, but it also saves the infected tooth from getting extracted.
2. Prevent Jawbone Degeneration- Since the teeth are preserved and will no longer be extracted, the jawbone remains intact. This is because a missing tooth would have caused the jawbone to degenerate as time passes. Therefore, visit your dentist whenever you experience tooth decay or severe toothache.
3. Improves Oral And Overall Health- Having severe tooth decay affects oral and overall health tremendously. It can give rise to multiple health complications like heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and many more. Hence, root canal therapy provides you with healthy teeth, thereby improving your oral and overall health.
Aftercare for Root Canal Therapy
After the root canal procedure is completed, we would recommend waiting until the anesthesia has worn off before eating. Avoid chewing from the treated tooth till your dentist has fully restored the tooth. Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly.
After the root canal and follow-up appointments are completed, visit your dentist to get a dental crown or filling done. It is relatively essential because properly treated teeth last longer and remain healthier.
Also, visit your dentist for a routine dental checkup or whenever you encounter swelling or pain in the future. It might prevent you and your teeth from any severe complications.
You can schedule a consultation by calling at (650) 551-1601 for an appointment with our Dentist in Belmont, CA, or (650) 873-9398 for our Dentist in South San Francisco, CA. Online booking is also available.
