• Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental treatment for removing infection from inside a tooth. It can also protect the tooth from future infections.

• It is carried out in the pulp of the tooth, which is the root canal.

What is endodontic treatment or Root Canal Therapy?

• Endodontic treatment, or root canal therapy, treats the inside of the tooth.

• To understand endodontic treatment, it helps to know something about the anatomy of the tooth. Inside the tooth, under the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin, there is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue and creates the surrounding hard tissues of the tooth during development.

• The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth down to the tip of the roots where it connects to the tissues surrounding the root. The pulp plays an important role in the growth and development of a tooth. Once fully mature, the tooth can survive without the pulp, because the tissues surrounding it nourishes the tooth.

Who needs a root canal treatment?

• A root canal, or endodontic treatment, is necessary when the pulp in your tooth becomes inflamed or infected.
The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes:
deep decay, a crack or chip in the tooth, or even repeated dental procedures on the tooth.

• An injury to a tooth could cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible cracks or chips. If inflammation or infection of the pulp is left untreated, it can cause severe pain and/or lead to an abscess.

What are the signs of needing a root canal?

• Signs to look for include tooth or gum pain, prolonged sensitivity to cold or heat, discoloration of the tooth, tenderness to touch and chewing, swelling, drainage and tenderness in the lymph nodes as well as nearby bone and gingival tissues.

• However, sometimes there are no symptoms. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, visit the dentist for a consultation at the earliest.

How does root canal treatment save the tooth?

• The root canal process involves having the dentist remove the infected or inflamed pulp, carefully cleaning and shaping the inside of the canal, and then the dentist will fill and seal the space.

• Typically, after this process, you will return later to have a crown placed, or other restoration on the tooth, to protect and restore the tooth to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.

Will there be pain during or after the root canal procedure?

• With the use of modern techniques and anaesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the root canal procedure. Your tooth may feel sensitive, for the first few days after treatment, especially if there was pain or infection prior to the procedure.

• This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications, according to your dentist’s instructions. In addition, the tooth may feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your crown is placed or tooth restoration is completed. Visit the dentist if you have severe pain or pressure that lasts more than a few days.

Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment after endodontic treatment?

• The unrestored tooth is susceptible to fracture, so you should see your dentist for a full restoration as soon as possible. You should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist. Beyond that, you should practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

• Most root canal treated teeth will last as long as other natural teeth. In few cases, a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment does not heal or the pain continues. If the tooth becomes painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment, redoing the procedure may save the tooth.

What causes a root canal treated tooth to need additional treatment?

• New trauma, a loose, cracked or broken filling, or deep decay, can cause a new infection in your tooth.

• In some cases, the dentist may discover additional very narrow or curved canals that cannot be treated during the initial procedure.

Can all teeth be treated by root canal?

• Most teeth can be treated by root canal treatment. Occasionally, a tooth cannot be saved because the root canals are not accessible, the tooth doesnot have adequate bone support, the root is severely fractured, or the tooth cannot be restored.

• Advances in endodontics are making it possible to save teeth that even a few years ago would have been lost. When root canal treatment is not effective, dental implants can be an ideal alternative.