Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a complex dental procedure aimed at preserving a tooth that has been significantly compromised due to infection, deep decay, or trauma. This procedure involves several steps:
- Diagnosis: The process begins with a thorough clinical and radiographic examination to determine the extent of the damage and assess the condition of the tooth. Sometimes for a better and more accurate assessment, we may need to refer you to a more advanced imaging, called CBCT scan.
- Local Anesthesia: To ensure the patient's comfort, the dentist administers local anesthesia to numb the tooth and the surrounding area. This prevents any pain during the procedure.
- Isolation: The dentist places a rubber sheet (Rubber dam) around the affected tooth to isolate it from your mouth cavity. A rubber dam is needed for your protection during endodontic treatment because it acts as a barrier, preventing any debris, dental materials, or small instruments from accidentally entering your mouth and potentially being swallowed or inhaled. Additionally, it helps ensure a clean and controlled environment, reducing the risk of infection or complications bykeeping the bacteria in the saliva out of the treatment area.
- Access Opening: The dentist creates a small access opening in the crown of the tooth. This opening allows them to reach the pulp chamber and root canals.
- Cleaning and Shaping: Using specialized instruments, the dentist carefully removes the infected or inflamed pulp tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals. The root canals are then cleaned and shaped to remove any remaining infected material and create space for the disinfecting solutions and filling material.
- Disinfection: Throughout the process, the dentist irrigates the canals with antimicrobial solutions to eliminate any remaining bacteria and prevent future infections.
- Filling: After the canals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, they are sealed with biocompatible material, often a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha. This filling material prevents any further infection from reaching the inside of the tooth.
- Restoration: The access opening created in the crown of the tooth is sealed with tooth-coloured permanent filling. In most cases, a crown is recommended to protect the tooth and restore its strength and function, as a tooth that has undergone a root canal may become more brittle over time.
The procedure is typically completed in one or two appointments, depending on the complexity of the case. While it may sound complex, root canal treatment is a highly effective and sophisticated way to save a tooth, eliminate pain, and preserve dental function. It allows patients to maintain their natural teeth and avoid the need for extraction and replacement options like dental implants or bridges.