When is a root canal treatment warranted?

Endodontic Treatment

Endodontics is a branch of dentistry where root canal problems are addressed to renovate the damaged tooth without having to extract it. A person that offers root canal treatment is called endodontist.

When is a root canal treatment warranted?
Root canal or endodontic treatment is warranted when there is an infection of the root canal and damage to the pulp. The pulp is in the heart of a tooth and it is situated inside the root canal. A small cavity in a tooth that is left untreated can result in a pulp infection. The cavity or the decay of teeth results in slow erosion of the dentin and enamel that further deepens to the level of the root canal of the tooth. This facilitates growth and multiplication of bacteria that eventually invade the tooth pulp and infect the canal. It also results in inflammation and there is a reduced blood supply to the tooth as a whole. This is one reason why unfortunately the infection cannot be treated even with generous use of antibiotics. They simply cannot reach the infected portion due to poor blood supply. It also hampers the ability of tooth pulp to heal by itself.

Secondly, the pulp of the tooth can also be infected when there is an accidental trauma to the teeth or even an extensive working including extensive filling or several fillings done to a particular tooth. There are also occasions when a common and a simple dental procedure might result in the inflammation of the pulp.

If the infection or damage is severe, the pulp and the blood vessels will get damaged leading to the death of the tooth. The bacteria infect the teeth in case of decay, gum disease and/or injury resulting in the damage of pulp eventual nerve infection within the tooth.

Signs and symptoms that warn you of a root canal infection

•    Sensitivity to hot and cold food that lasts for relatively longer time periods
•    Hurting tooth when you bite on it or by simple touch
•    A swelling on the gum and at the root of the affected tooth
•    Sometimes painless but discolored tooth

How is root canal treatment done?
Root canal treatment is done by an endodontist after administering local anesthesia around the infected tooth. The treatment involves excavating the damaged pulp along with the puss surrounding the infected portion. He also removes damaged and/or dead nerves and blood vessels from the pulp cavity.

All this is done by drilling a hole through the top of the tooth through the root canal. Then the root canal is cleaned and filled with fillings such as gutta percha and/or any eugenol-based cements.

Endodontist might prescribe medications before and after the treatment for controlling the pain. Once the root canal is cleaned and filled, a temporary cap is placed over the tooth. After a few weeks, if the tooth doesn’t show any signs of recurrent infections; the temporary filling and cap are replaced by permanent filling and cap. Advancements in the field of endodontics facilitates painless root canal treatment these days. You may check with your endodontist for the latest techniques in root canal treatment.