Teeth are an essential part of an individual’s personality, so keeping them clean and healthy is quite important. Still, at times, one can suffer from oral infections or diseases that can affect their life on a daily basis. One such condition is an infection in the centre of a tooth which requires a specialised treatment called a Root Canal (endodontics).
Root Canal treatment involves removing the infected pulp-like substance from the tooth to control the inflammation and pain and prevent it from decaying. Notably, it’s the pulp that enables the tooth to grow and keep it intact. It is made of connective tissues, nerves and blood vessels.
What Causes the Pulp Damage?
The severity of tooth infection can lead to swelling in the face, head and even neck. It can change the tooth colour, make the tooth sensitive to hot & cold liquid diets, and may result in boils on the gums.
It can even infect the jaw bone and gums around the tooth, making it an extremely painful and messy condition. Some of the familiar reasons for pulp damage:
- An unaddressed crack or hole in the tooth
- A minute cavity not treated on time
- A wound or injury in the tooth that remains unnoticed
- Numerous treatments performed on a particular tooth
How is Root Canal Treatment Initiated?
After a thorough diagnosis of the infected tooth, involving physical consultation and x-ray, the dentist is able to assess the severity of the infection and take the treatment decision.
The treatment is performed by an experienced endodontist or a dental surgeon, using local anaesthesia.
Step-by-Step Treatment Process:
- A rubber leaf is put around the affected tooth and a hole is drilled into the tooth
- The infected pulp, decomposed nerve tissue, and other remains are excavated
- The tooth is flushed with sodium hypochlorite or water, ensuring it’s cleaned properly
- The hollow tooth is filled using a sealing paste and gutta-percha rubber compound
- An artificial crown is placed on the tooth, ensuring it’s safe from breakage later
The majority of people have inhibitions regarding root canals and feel that it’s a painful process. However, with modern methods and equipment in place, the process is much smoother.
For instance, in the UK, there are dental clinics in Harrow with the most advanced infrastructure and the best dentists in North London, who are always ready to deal with any dental emergencies. One can also consult the best-rated dentist based on their reviews and ratings.
How Effective is the Root Canal?
In more than 95% of cases, Root Canal treatment is successful and lasts a lifetime. Whilst the majority of the patients get back to normality the very next day, some patients may experience sensitivity after the treatment for a few days if their infection is severe. Proper cleaning and care should be carried out every day, followed by pre-scheduled dental check-ups.
The chances of re-infection are quite rare. It may occur in cases where the filling was not done properly. In such cases, Root Canal is done again. Wherever not possible, Apicoectomy, better known as Root End Surgery, is done, whereby the tip of the affected tooth is removed.
Overall, Root Canal is a much-needed and useful treatment for internal tooth infection. So, one should always prefer to consult with the best dentist North London having experience in Root Canal treatment with a good success rate.
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