Among common dental procedures, root canal treatment
particularly touches the imagination. People often think of it as a hard and
long process, causing pain in the tooth. Therefore, many are afraid to undergo
this procedure, which is much less distressing than it seems. Here are some
facts to help you understand it better:
1.
This is a treatment of last resort.
Root canal treatment, or endodontic treatment, is an
intervention of last resort. It is considered when the inner part of the tooth,
called the pulp, is affected by bacteria, which causes a gradual loss of dental
vitality.
2.
Several reasons can lead to this solution.
·
Worsening
of dental caries: If not treated in time, caries bacteria can penetrate the
inside of the tooth and attack the blood vessels and nerves that make up the
pulp.
·
A blow or
shock: This can cause damage to the internal components of the tooth
(nerves, blood vessels), then its devitalization.
·
A
fractured tooth or a tooth whose filling is damaged: The breakage of a tooth
can expose its internal part, making it more vulnerable to bacteria.
3.
Root canal treatment aims to preserve the
integrity of the dentition.
By performing a root canal treatment, it is possible to save
the tooth and maintain its position, allowing it to continue to perform its
functions. It also makes it possible to stop or avoid certain possible
consequences of an infection of the pulp:
·
A feeling
of deep and sharp pain: This can cause the proverbial toothache.
·
A
weakening of the tooth: This one is then more at risk of fracturing.
·
The
spread of infection: Bacteria can attack neighboring teeth or other tissues
in the mouth. It may potentially result in the development of an abscess.
4.
This is not a complicated procedure.
Although it requires thoroughness and precision, root canal
treatment is usually done in a single appointment and involves little risk. It
is done in a few steps. Here are the steps needed to do it:
1-
Placement of a dam around the treated tooth to
prevent contact with saliva or bacteria.
2-
Extraction of the damaged pulp using precision
instruments.
3-
The pulp canal is cleaned and then filled with a
material resembling rubber to prevent bacteria from lodging there again.
4-
Closing the space with a filling (filling).
5.
Root canal treatment is not painful in itself.
Contrary to popular belief, root canal
surgery is not really painful since it is performed under local
anesthesia. Rather, it aims to stop the pain caused by bacteria's action on the
tooth's internal nerves. However, this one may remain sensitive in the days
following the intervention, but this feeling normally disappears with time.
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