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What is Root Canal
You’ve probably
heard a phrase comparing something to a ’root canal’ but were never quite sure
what it meant, prompting the question of what is a root canal? The idea that a root canal is the most painful
of dental surgeries is a myth. Root
canals are extremely important for those people who need it. The surgery can save a dying tooth and
prevent the need for dental implants or dentures.
The anatomy of a
tooth is more complex than its appearance may reveal. Deep within the tooth lies soft, blood-rich material called the pulp. This is the living part of the tooth that
keeps it attached to the mouth. That’s
because a tooth must be properly rooted in healthy gums in order to remain in
place. A root canal is a thin
connection between the inner tooth and the gums. Each tooth has at least one root canal keeping it alive.
If a canal ever gets
infected, the pulp that it feeds can die.
Usually an infection causes increased blood flow to the tooth, resulting
in an increase in pain, discomfort, and sensitivity. Unless it is treated, this pain will likely remain and could
result in the tooth eventually falling out.
In order to prevent
tooth loss, a root canal surgery must be performed. The surgery is designed to clear out diseased material from
inside the canal to prevent the loss of bone and gum tissue. To complete a root canal surgery you’ll need
to visit an endodontist (gum and pulp specialist) over a series of two or three
appointments. A hole is drilled into
the tooth to allow access to the inner pulp.
The diseased pulp must be completely removed, and the cavity is usually
filled and capped with some inert material.
The success rate of root canal surgery is high. Only 5% of the cases typically require
remedial treatment. Complications
usually involve re-infection of the pulp from diseased tissue that was inadvertently
left behind. A re-infection of the
tooth could mean either another root canal surgery or the loss of the tooth.
The surgery can take a long time, and the pain can be
intense even with local anesthetic.
Most skilled endodontists can perform the treatment without creating
additional pain.
After the surgery, most patients notice inflammation of the
gums. The tooth will remain sensitive
to contact so chewing hard foods on it is not recommended. However, a successful root canal surgery can
restore a patient’s ability to chew without continuous pain or the possibility
of losing that tooth.
If you have excessive tooth pain, be sure to consult your
dentist today about a root canal surgery.
Though the treatment is complex and lengthy, it can save you the pain
and suffering that an infected root canal will eventually cause.
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