A Comprehensive Guide to Root Canal - Causes & Treatments

What is a Root Canal and its Causes?

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to treat an infection or damage to the pulp of a tooth. The pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, is the soft tissue located at the center of the tooth.

The causes of needing a root canal can vary, but they generally involve damage or infection reaching the pulp. Some common causes include:

• Tooth decay: Tooth decay is usually caused by the acid produced by bacteria in the mouth, which feed on sugars and starches from food and drinks. Over time, the acid can weaken and erode the enamel, leading to the formation of dental caries (tooth decay) or cavities in the tooth. If left untreated, tooth decay can progress and reach the inner layers of the tooth, including the pulp, which may require a root canal treatment to remove the infection and save the tooth.
• Dental trauma: Dental trauma refers to any injury or damage to the teeth, gums, or surrounding structures caused by an external force. Dental trauma can result in various problems, such as tooth fractures, dislodged teeth, or injuries to the gums, jawbone, or other oral tissues. It is important to seek immediate dental care if dental trauma occurs to prevent further damage and ensure proper treatment.
• Cracked or fractured tooth: A cracked or fractured tooth can cause pain, sensitivity, and difficulty chewing, and it can also potentially lead to infection if the crack extends into the pulp of the tooth. This can occur due to various reasons, such as biting down on a hard object, trauma to the mouth, grinding or clenching of teeth, or weakened tooth structure from tooth decay or large fillings.
• Deep dental fillings: If the decay in the tooth is deep and close to the pulp, the dentist has to place a filling which will be very close to the pulp. If the filling is too close to the nerve, it may get infected slowly. It can cause irritation and inflammation, leading to the need for a root canal.
• Gum disease: Gum disease is usually caused by a build-up of plaque on teeth and along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky coating containing bacteria. Plaque is constantly being formed by some of these bacteria when they feed on the sugars in the foods and drinks you consume.

Root Canal Treatment

When root canal? treatment is necessary, the procedure involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and then filling and sealing the tooth to prevent further infection. In some cases, a dental crown may be placed on the treated tooth to provide additional protection and strength.

It's worth noting that a root canal is usually performed under local anesthesia, meaning you won't feel any pain during the procedure. Afterward, you may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity, which can be managed with medication advised by the dentist and usually subsides within a few days.

Advanced Root Canal Treatment Procedures

Laser RCT: Sometimes, there is an extra infection that cannot be cleaned completely by regular instruments. In such cases, lasers should be used to provide a better disinfection process and a microbial-free environment in the canals.

CT-Guided Endodontics: Clinics like FMS international dental center that have CBCT have an advantage of checking the canals virtually and three-dimensionally to ensure that all the canals have been addressed, including accessory canals. Naturally, the cost of CT is also added to these procedures.

Microscopic Endodontics: This procedure gives an enlarged view of the canals and chambers to the endodontist. Microscopic endodontics is a little more time-consuming and tedious procedure, but precision is always an advantage. The cost definitely varies when compared to regular RCT.

If you experience persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, or a pimple-like bump on the gum, you should visit an Endodontist for root canal treatment. These symptoms may indicate an infected or damaged tooth pulp.

FMS Dental Hospital is a multi-speciality hospital with three decades of experience in dentistry. We have specialized senior endodontists available and advanced technology to provide treatments to our patients without any failures. It's important to choose a reputable and experienced dental professional who specializes in endodontics to ensure the best possible outcome for your treatment.

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