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ROOT CANAL THERAPY

Introduction:

Root canal therapy is a treatment to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. The procedure involves removing the damaged tissue from inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting it, then filling and sealing it.

Root canal therapy is usually performed by a dentist or an endodontist (a specialist in treating problems with the teeth and their roots). It is usually a relatively quick and painless procedure, although it may require more than one visit to the dentist.

Types of Root Canal Therapy:

There are two main types of root canal therapy:

1. Conventional Root Canal Therapy:

This is the most common type of root canal therapy. It involves removing the damaged tissue from inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting it, then filling and sealing it. The procedure is usually performed over one or two visits to the dentist.

2. Minimally Invasive Root Canal Therapy (MIRT):

This is a newer type of root canal therapy that is less invasive than conventional root canal therapy. It involves making a small opening in the tooth to remove the damaged tissue and then sealing the opening. MIRT is usually performed in one visit to the dentist.

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy:

Root canal therapy can be used to treat a variety of problems, including:

  • Decay
  • Infection
  • Injury
  • Trauma

Root canal therapy is usually successful in treating the problem and saving the tooth. However, in some cases, the tooth may need to be removed (extracted).

Why might I need Root Canal Therapy?

If the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue) becomes damaged or infected, it can cause pain, swelling, and irritation. Root canal therapy is needed to remove the damaged pulp and prevent the infection from spreading.

What happens during Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy usually requires one or two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist will clean out the infected pulp and prepare the tooth for a filling. A temporary filling will be placed in the tooth to protect it until the second visit.

At the second visit, the dentist will remove the temporary filling and place a permanent filling or crown (a cap that covers the entire tooth) on the tooth.

What are the risks of Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is generally a safe and effective procedure. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with root canal therapy. These risks include:

  • Pain or discomfort during the procedure
  • Swelling or bruising of the gums
  • Infection
  • Damage to the tooth or surrounding teeth

If you experience any pain or discomfort after root canal therapy, it is important to contact your dentist or endodontist immediately.

Conclusion:

Root canal therapy is usually performed by a dentist or an endodontist (a specialist in treating problems with the teeth and their roots). It is usually a relatively quick and painless procedure, although it may require more than one visit to the dentist. The procedure is usually successful in treating the problem and saving the tooth.

However, in some cases, the tooth may need to be removed (extracted). There are some risks associated with root canal therapy, but these are typically minor and can be easily managed by your dentist or endodontist. If you experience any pain or discomfort after root canal therapy, it is important to contact your dentist or endodontist immediately.

 

FAQ’s:

1. What is the difference between a Root Canal and Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. Root canal therapy involves removing the damaged or infected tissue from inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and then filling and sealing the tooth. A root canal is a procedure that is used to treat a tooth that is infected or damaged. Root canal therapy involves removing the damaged or infected tissue from inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and then filling and sealing the tooth. Root canal therapy can save a tooth that would otherwise have to be removed.

The main difference between a root canal and root canal therapy is that a root canal is a procedure that is used to treat a tooth that is infected or damaged, while root canal therapy involves removing the damaged or infected tissue from inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and then filling and sealing the tooth. Root canal therapy can save a tooth that would otherwise have to be removed.

2. Can Root Canal treatment cause sinus problems?

There is no definitive answer to this question since every individual is different and may react differently to root canal therapy. However, it is generally accepted that there is a small risk of developing sinus problems after a root canal procedure. This is because the root canal treatment involves drilling into the tooth, which can cause some damage to the surrounding tissue. In rare cases, this damage can lead to an infection of the sinuses. If you are concerned about the possibility of developing sinus problems after a root canal, you should discuss this with your dentist before the procedure is performed.

3. How much does Root Canal treatment cost?

The cost of root canal treatment will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the severity of the infection, the location of the tooth, and whether or not you have insurance. In general, root canal treatment can be expensive, so it is important to discuss the cost with your dentist before the procedure is performed.

4. What are the risks of Root Canal treatment?

There are some risks associated with root canal treatment, such as infection, damage to the surrounding teeth, and pain. However, these risks are generally rare and can be minimized by working with an experienced and qualified dentist. 

5. Does Root Canal treatment last forever?

Root canal treatment is not a permanent solution, but it can often extend the life of a tooth for many years. In some cases, a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment may eventually need to be removed. However, this is usually only necessary if the tooth becomes severely damaged or infected.

6. Does Root Canal treatment include Crown?

A crown is not typically part of root canal treatment. However, in some cases, a dentist may recommend that a crown be placed over the tooth after the root canal procedure is complete. This is usually only necessary if the tooth is significantly damaged or if there is a risk of the tooth becoming re-infected.

7. Is Root Canal treatment painful?

Root canal treatment can be uncomfortable, but the level of discomfort will vary from person to person. In most cases, the pain is mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. However, if the pain is severe, your dentist may recommend that you have a root canal procedure under sedation.

8. How long does Root Canal treatment take?

Root canal treatment usually takes one or two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist will clean out the infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth. Then, they will fill and seal the tooth. In some cases, a temporary filling may be placed over the tooth until the permanent filling can be placed. The second visit usually occurs a week or two later, during which time the permanent filling will be placed.

9. What should I expect after Root Canal treatment?

After root canal treatment, you can expect your tooth to feel different than it did before the procedure. In most cases, the pain and sensitivity will go away within a few days. However, it is important to avoid chewing on the tooth until the permanent filling has been placed. In addition, you should expect some minor discomfort and swelling for a few days after the procedure. If the pain and swelling persist for more than a few days, you should contact your dentist.

10. What are the complications of Root Canal treatment?

Complications from root canal treatment are rare, but they can occur. The most common complication is an infection, which can usually be treated with antibiotics. In rare cases, the infection may spread to the surrounding teeth, which may require additional treatment. Damage to the surrounding teeth is another potential complication, but this is also rare. Pain and swelling are the most common side effects of root canal treatment, but these usually go away within a few days.