We’ve all heard about root canal treatment. Most adults go through at least one root canal treatment in their lifetime. However, many of us don’t know what it exactly is. There are also a range of myths about this treatment, with people coming up with their own interpretations.

Let’s understand root canal treatment in more detail and also break some of the misconceptions associated with it.

Why are Root Canals done?

Sometimes bacteria inside our mouth invade the pulp inside our teeth, causing inflammation. This happens when:

• There’s a deep cavity inside the tooth that needs treatment.
• Bacteria from the plaque within the tooth pulp have cracked or damaged a tooth.

How to Know if You Need a Root Canal?

Many of us ignore tooth problems till it is too late and the pain becomes difficult to bear. However, going to the doctor early can save us a lot of trouble and help salvage the original tooth as well.

You may want to see your dentist if:

• You have a tooth pain that won’t go away.
• If you feel pain when you eat or touch a tooth.
• Your gums are swollen.
• There are boils or pimples on your gums.
• Your jaws are swollen.
• You have a loose or discoloured tooth.

It is important to remember that all tooth infections don’t require a root canal treatment. If you face any of these problems, meet with your dentist. Your dentist will take X-rays of your affected tooth to determine if your root pulp is dead, inflamed or infected and decide whether you need a root canal. They may do other diagnostic tests too.

What Happens during a Root Canal?

The main aim of the root canal is to remove the inflamed pulp, then clean and disinfect the inside of your tooth and finally fill the tooth and seal the place. Here are the steps of root canal in general:

1. Your dentist will inject anaesthetic to numb your infected tooth and the gum around it.
2. Next, a thin and flexible piece of rubber will be placed over your infected tooth and nearby gums. This is known as a dental dam – used to keep your tooth dry during treatment.
3. The dentist will then drill a tiny hole in your tooth’s crown to reach your tooth pulp.
4. Then, tiny dental instruments will be used to remove blood vessels, nerves and tissues inside the tooth pulp.
5. The tooth pulp will be slowly cleared out.
6. Once the tooth pulp has been cleared out, your dentist will clean and disinfect your pulp chamber and root canals.
7. Next, they will fill the empty pulp chambers and root canals using a flexible and rubbery dental material called gutta-percha.
8. The tooth will then be sealed using temporary dental filling. This is done to keep bacteria from getting into your dental roots.
9. Finally, your dentist will place a dental crown on your treated tooth. The dental crown protects your teeth and helps you chew food.

This entire process typically takes two to three weeks to complete. You may be asked to rest a few minutes after every sitting before leaving the dentist’s clinic. The anaesthesia may take some time to wear out so your gums and mouth may be numb.

Sources:

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/root-canal
• https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/
• https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/myths-root-canals/
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/multimedia/root-canal
• https://www.dhconcepts.com/8-common-myths-about-root-canals/