Root canals are a commonly performed endodontic procedure. Patients need a root canal when there is infection in the roots of a tooth. During root canal treatment, the dentist removes the pulp inside the tooth, cleans, disinfects and shapes the root canals, and places a filling to seal the space. This simple procedure used to save your teeth is called root canal treatment.

How a tooth’s root becomes infected?

As a result of poor oral care, oral bacteria are combined with food and drink to form acid. This acid begins to damage the tooth enamel. The tooth decay that develops over time reaches the dentin layer. The cavity, causing sensitivity and pain, reaches the pulp if not treated. The nerves and veins in the pulp are damaged and pain increases at this stage. The decay can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. But a blow to the face also may cause infection. Blow lead to rupture of the nerves and veins of the root of the teeth and inflammation caused by microorganisms reaching the pulp.

Signs and symptoms of an infected tooth

Even though there were no symptoms at first, pain and swelling occurs over time. Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, swelling in your face or gums, tooth discolouration are other symptoms.

Steps of the process

The dentist administers local anaesthesia to numb the tooth. Then, he / she removes the decay from the enamel and dentin layers and cleans the infected nerve and tissue of the tooth. And then your dentist will shape the root of the tooth by using special instruments and he / she will fill the space. This process may complete in a single appointment depending on the infection, or it may take 2 or more sessions. Your dentist will place a temporary filling when multiple sessions are required. Finally your dentist will finish the treatment by placing a permanent crown or porcelain filling.

After the procedure

After the procedure, you may experience pain and swelling for a few days. You should avoid to chew anything with your treated tooth. Depending on the infection, swelling time may vary.

If the pain does not pass, you should consult your dentist. If the infection in all canals cannot be removed, the tooth is re-infected.In the repeated canal treatment called retreatment, the canal filling is removed and the root canals are cleaned and refilled. In cases where this treatment does not work, the tooth can be treated by the surgical method called resection. Although this method is generally successful, in some cases it is necessary to pull the tooth.

Root canal treatment is a successful treatment that prevents the tooth loss process started with the loss of vitality with deep caries and cracks. With proper oral care and dentist checks, a root canaled tooth can be used for many years, even for a lifetime.