Most people try to keep their teeth clean and beautiful, but we rarely think about what’s inside the tooth unless something is wrong with it. When there is a problem inside a tooth, a root canal may be the only way to save that tooth.
The components of a tooth include.
1. The crown of the tooth
The part of the tooth above the gum margin that has a hard surface for biting or chewing.
2. The root of the tooth
The part of the tooth below the gum margin that anchors the tooth to the bone.
3.Pulp
The contents of the middle part of the tooth (the pulp chamber), a soft tissue composed mainly of blood vessels and nerves.
4.Dental root canal
The channel through which the pulp chamber is connected to the vascular and neural tissues of the jawbone.
Pulp problems usually occur when the pulp is exposed due to tooth decay or crown trauma; once this happens, the pulp becomes inflamed. Bacteria in the oral cavity can infect the pulp and cause necrosis, followed by the spread of infection along the pulp chamber and root canal, and if it reaches the apical position, it can invade the bone, sometimes leading to abscesses. This pathological process, if left unchecked, will eventually lead to the loss of bone tissue and teeth.
Root canal therapy is a treatment process that targets the tooth, the pulp, the root tip and becomes It is roughly divided into three parts: pulp removal, root canal shaping preparation and root canal filling.
Indications for root canal treatment.
1, any cause (including caries, hidden fracture, crown fracture, deformed central cusp, excessive wear, retrograde infection of periodontal disease, accidental pulp penetration) caused by pulpitis and pulp necrosis that cannot preserve the living pulp.
2, apical lesions caused by any cause (including continued development of pulpitis, failure of dry cadaver plastination treatment, retrograde periodontitis infection).
3, infection of the apices of the pulp caused by physical chemical causes, such as: pulp irritation caused by poor post-filling bedding temperature, different metals. current stimulation, apical infection caused by drugs during endodontic treatment.
4, degenerative changes of the pulp caused by unknown reasons, such as intracanal resorption, pulp stone caused by pathological changes of the pulp.
The process of root canal therapy is to prevent the occurrence of periapical lesions or promote the healing of periapical disease by thoroughly removing the infected pulp as well as the infected dentin and toxic decomposition products through root canal irrigation, disinfection and tight filling of the root canal to isolate the bacteria from entering the root canal and reinfecting it.
The success rate of root canal treatment is clinically reported to be over 90%, which is currently the best treatment method to preserve the affected tooth.
In general, root canal treatment is indicated for pulpitis, pulp necrosis, and all types of periapical infections. In particular, root canal therapy is the only treatment option for teeth with residual crowns that require pile crown restoration in the prosthodontics department.
Choosing root canal treatment
Root canal therapy can save the tooth when the pulp is necrotic. The earlier it is treated, the less pain, hassle and expense it will be. Also, many people think root canals are painful, but this is actually a misconception: root canals rarely cause discomfort.
Make a treatment plan
Before your treatment, your dentist will check the condition of your gums and teeth and perform some tests. These examinations and tests will help your dentist assess your dental problems and plan your treatment. Treatment includes root canal therapy and crown restoration.
Evaluation of your condition
During the examination your dentist will look for any signs of infection, and he or she may also tap (tap) your tooth with a tool or examine your jaw. In addition, the following tests may be performed.
1. x-ray radiograph – This shows the tooth as well as the periodontal bone, and this examination is the basis of root canal therapy. Modern x-ray instruments emit only a very small amount of radiation – enough to produce an x-ray, but not enough to cause any damage to the body.
2. pulpal electrical stimulation – this test determines whether the pulp is alive or not, based on the pulp’s response to a mild, gradually increasing electric current.
3. temperature testing – exposing the tooth to hot or cold stimuli can help determine the extent of pulpal damage
4. fiber optic testing – shining a bright light on the crown of the tooth helps provide clues to pulpal damage.
X-rays can detect certain problems, such as thick swelling, but do not show the condition of the pulp.
Treatment overview
Root canal therapy involves removing the inflamed or infected pulp, so first an opening is made in the crown, then the dentist cleans the pulp chamber and root canal, leaving a space that is later filled with a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha, which acts like a permanent bandage. Finally, the crown is restored to protect the tooth from further damage and infection. The goals of root canal surgery are to.
1. relieve pain and other symptoms.
2. intercept any infection and stop it from spreading.
3. save the tooth from extraction.
Risks and complications
Root canal therapy has a high success rate and complications, if they occur, are usually minor and easily managed. The risks and complications that exist include.
1. pain and infection.
2. reaction to medication or anesthesia.
3. pain in the mandibular joint and surrounding tissues.
4. fracture of instruments.
5. Other treatment needs, such as endodontic surgery.
Performing root canal treatment
What is the process of root canal treatment like?
Root canal therapy usually consists of three basic steps: root canal preparation, root canal disinfection, and root canal filling.
During the root canal procedure, the doctor often requires the tooth to be X-rayed before, during and after the root canal procedure to help diagnose the problem, understand the location of the pulp chamber and the number and shape of the root canals, measure the working length of the root canals and provide a basis for follow-up and evaluation of the treatment results.
Root canal treatment is performed under local anesthesia (as is the case when filling is performed). The treatment is usually completed within one or two visits and your dentist will tell you approximately how long each visit will last; also, your tooth will require ongoing special care prior to crown restoration.
Root canal cleaning and shaping
A dental rubber barrier (a rubber sheet) is placed around the tooth to protect the mouth and throat, then the crown is opened and the pulp is removed. The dentist will then use a small file to clean, enlarge and shape the root canal. Medication may be used to control infection.
Root canal filling
The root canal is filled with gutta-percha, which prevents bacteria or fluid from entering the tooth through the root, followed by a temporary crown or filling to close the tooth opening.
During both visits
In most cases, the tooth is closed with a temporary filling, but occasionally the opening is left open to allow drainage of the abscess: in all cases, over-the-counter medications are usually sufficient to control the pain. To protect the tooth during the visit, it is important to
1. avoid eating crunchy, tough and sticky foods.
2. avoid using the affected side to chew food until told to do so.
3. use a toothbrush and floss as directed.
4. use antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor.
Root canal treatment precautions:
1, root canal treatment procedure is not always completed in one treatment, doctors often step by step according to the patient’s clinical examination, generally speaking, root canal treatment in 2-4 visits to complete.
2, because the root canal treatment is more complicated, requiring doctors to be familiar with the anatomical knowledge of the tooth structure and skilled operation techniques, as well as the need for special supporting root canal treatment instruments and equipment and materials, therefore, the root canal treatment is more time-consuming and relatively more expensive.
3.During or after the completion of root canal treatment, there may be temporary discomfort, which is usually relieved by taking anti-inflammatory or analgesic drugs, and the local swelling and pain should be informed to the doctor for treatment.
4. It is better to perform inlay or crown restoration after tooth treatment to prevent tooth fracture and prolong the life of the tooth.
Tooth restoration
After root canal treatment, the broken crown must be restored, and in most cases, an artificial crown is required. Treatment cannot be considered complete until a permanent filling is in place, so the delay should not be longer than your dentist recommends. Once the restoration is complete, the healed tooth will look almost identical to your other teeth.
Permanent Closure
After the temporary filling is removed, the dentist will then seal the tooth with a permanent filling. If desired, an artificial crown is placed on top of the filling and around the remaining tooth. The crown material can be porcelain, gold alloy, or metal porcelain.
Porcelain crowns on natural teeth
If the natural tooth is missing or has very little crown remaining, a metal or fiber post will be used to help support the permanent filling and then the artificial crown will be placed on top of the filling. Your dentist will take care to ensure that the post is not exposed after the restoration is complete. After the root canal procedure, your task is to take care of your tooth. Good oral care can make your treated tooth as durable as any other dentist, so stick to daily oral cleanings and regular checkups.
A Healthy Smile
For healthy teeth and gums.
1. Brushing – Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, preferably after every meal or snack.
2. daily flossing – this will prevent gum disease and tooth loss.
3.Healthy diet – snacking can make you have the tendency of tooth decay, do not eat snacks, especially sweets, sweet drinks and starchy foods.
4.Regular checkups – The American Dental Association recommends that most people have their teeth checked twice a year, and you can ask your dentist if you need a higher frequency
When you need to visit your dentist and seek help from your dentist at any stage of the treatment process if
5. when a temporary filling is loose or has come out
6. when there is fever or swollen gums
7. when over-the-counter medications fail to control the pain.
When prepping a necrotic pulp root canal There may also be pain.