Dental Root Canal Therapy
Specialized Root Canal Treatment Services
Dental pain is recognized as one of the most common and distressing discomforts in people's lives. Tooth decay is one of the main causes of these pains. When tooth decay progresses to the extent that it penetrates the dental pulp, or in other words, the tooth nerve, it leads to infection and severe pain. In such cases, root canal treatment by a dentist or root canal specialist is necessary.
The process of dental root canal treatment is as follows:
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Anesthesia: Initially, the dentist numbs the tooth using an anesthetic substance to ensure the patient does not experience any pain during the procedure.
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Cleaning: Then, the targeted tooth decay is carefully removed. If the decay has reached the dental pulp, the root canal treatment process begins.
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Root canal treatment: In this stage, infected or inflamed portions and the nerve of the tooth are completely removed from the tooth.
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Filling the space: After thorough cleaning, the empty space of the root canals is filled with special materials, commonly known as gutta-percha.
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Temporary dressing: A temporary dressing is placed over the tooth to protect it.
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Tooth restoration: Finally, the dentist restores the tooth using suitable filling materials to make it look natural.
The appropriate time for root canal treatment is usually when decay has progressed enough to penetrate the dental pulp. In such cases, delaying treatment can lead to more severe pain and a more serious infection.
It is worth mentioning that if root canal treatment is not performed in a timely manner and the infection reaches deeper levels of the tooth root, tooth extraction (tooth removal) may also be necessary. Therefore, root canal treatment can save the tooth and prevent its extraction.
Given the importance of oral and dental hygiene, it is better to brush your teeth regularly and also attend regular dental check-ups with a dentist to prevent decay and the need for root canal treatment.
Is root canal treatment painful?
The root canal treatment process is performed under complete anesthesia, and the patient does not experience any pain or discomfort. Initially, several injections of anesthetic substance may be required for numbing the tooth, but during the root canal treatment process itself, the patient will not feel any pain. Additionally, appropriate medications are prescribed to control any possible discomfort after the root canal treatment.
Does a root canal-treated tooth last?
Root canal-treated teeth can last for many years and even decades with proper oral and dental hygiene. To maintain root canal-treated teeth, meticulous oral and dental care, adherence to oral hygiene practices, and regular check-ups with a dentist are essential. If meticulous care is not provided or decay recurs in the tooth, the tooth may require re-treatment.
A root canal-treated tooth is a restored tooth and, with proper oral care, can function as a natural and useful tooth.
Root canal treatment or extraction of decayed tooth?
The decision between root canal treatment and extraction of a decayed tooth depends on the specific conditions of each patient. In cases where tooth decay has progressed to a point where the tooth is not restorable or has penetrated the dental pulp, tooth extraction may be necessary. However, if the decay has not reached the dental pulp and the tooth is restorable, root canal treatment is performed as a solution to save the tooth.
Dentists typically strive to save the tooth and avoid extracting a decayed tooth. If the dentist recommends root canal treatment, this procedure helps save the tooth, allowing it to remain as a natural and useful member in the mouth.
If you notice symptoms of tooth decay in yourself or your loved ones, it is better to promptly visit a specialized dentist and undergo appropriate treatment to prevent further problems. Regular oral and dental hygiene can prevent decay and the need for root canal treatment. Ultimately, maintaining healthy and clean teeth is the best way to preserve oral and dental health.