Our patients dental health can be impacted by numerous ailments. Fortunately, we employ several remedial efforts geared towards correcting or stopping potential oral damage caused by such maladies. One such procedure is known as root canal. We invite our current and future patients to read this blog discussing pertinent aspects surrounding this process.
Root Canal Overview
This procedure, also known as root canal therapy is administered to our patients in three separate steps and might require more than one office visit to complete.
Cleaning
The first phase of the procedure involves a thorough cleansing of the impacted tooth’s root canal, which is the expansive portion of a tooth containing critical components such as the pulp, nerves and blood vessels. We remove the contents comprising the canal, especially damaged or diseased tissue.
Filling
Once the damaged area is thoroughly cleaned and irrigated, we then fill the hallow space and seal said location using an adhesive substance.
Crown Or Filling Installation
During the final step, our team inserts structures known as crowns. This filling, which is typically comprised of metal enables patients to, once again, use the previously damaged tooth without pain or reservation.
Number Of Root Canals Performed Annually
Root canals are amongst the most commonly performed procedures our and other dental practices engage in. Statistics compiled by the American Association of Endodontists found that more than 15 million such endeavors are administered every year.
Underlying Conditions Necessitating Root Canal Therapy
Typically, poor dental hygiene is the most direct precipitating factor. Individuals who fail to brush and floss regularly or obtain appropriate professional treatment stand at greater risk of sustaining pulp damage. As pulp damage progresses, potentially harmful materials like bacteria can penetrate inside the root canal and precipitate problems such as infections, bone loss, loose and lost teeth. That said, other issues including dental injuries, diet or certain systemic illnesses might also result in pulp deterioration.
Symptoms Suggesting Root Canal Therapy May Be Indicated
Physical manifestations may vary depending on the individual and pulp damage severity. However, many of our patients witness symptoms like pain, discomfort that worsens while one is speaking or chewing, intolerance to hot or cold liquids or foods, discoloration of the impacted tooth, and swelling or redness in surrounding gums.
The Recovery Process
To expedite the recovery process, we recommend patients practice the following suggestions, avoid eating solid food for at least a day or two following surgery, avoid strenuous exercise, apply ice to the impacted tooth to reduce swelling, obtain adequate rest, and look out for potential complications. Pain and soreness should gradually subside after a few days. If pain does not improve or worsens, we recommend patients contact us as soon as possible.
Prevention Methods
Sometimes, events occur that necessitate root canal therapy. However, patients can significantly reduce their chances of needing such intervention by practicing optimal dental care habits, obtaining professional care at least once or twice per year, limiting intake of hard or sugary foods or drinks, wearing a mouth guard when partaking in contact sports, and promptly have tooth discomfort examined.
