Root Canal Treatment
If a tooth is infected due to a cavity or injury, a root canal treatment is often performed to repair and save the damaged tooth instead of removing it. The objective of root canal treatment is to eliminate pain or swelling of the tooth. This treatment prevents further deterioration thereby preserving the natural tooth structure.
Firstly a dental x-ray and pulp tests are done by a skilled endodontist to check if the teeth are in good health. Many teeth will be put to observation during the test procedure and if the test confirms, root canal treatment will be initiated and completed in one or two appointments.
During root canal treatment, the pain causing tooth nerve or pulp is removed from the pulp chamber and all canals.
Then the infected root canals are cleaned, sterilized with dental solutions, filled, and sealed with suitable filling materials to prevent the entry of bacteria. Finally, root canal treatment is followed by a crown or cap procedure.
How to know if you need a root canal?
There are many factors that can lead to an injury to the nerve of a tooth. The symptoms that show if you need a root canal treatment are:
- Acute pain while chewing or biting
- Pimples on the gums
- Cracked or chipped tooth
- Severe sensitivity to hot or cold stimulus
- Deep cavity or darkening of the tooth
