Sometimes, patients are filled with an understanding that extraction may serve as the only way to get rid of an unhealthy tooth; however, endodontists are here to prove you wrong. As research advanced and details sprung, we understood that a root canal therapy could preserve teeth from the inside and help protect its health thereby reducing the need for painful extractions.
What is a root canal?
A root canal or endodontic treatment is a specialized branch of dentistry that deals with procedures related to teeth’s pulp and its internal structures. Treating the dental pulp allows to get rid of any infection and to treat dying or inflamed tissues inside the tooth’s enamel.
Who are the likely candidates for a root canal?
A root canal is generally recommended to those candidates whose teeth are suffering from immense damage beyond the point that any normal procedure can help retain its health.
What is involved in a root canal procedure?
The dental pulp is a small mass of tissue that is present inside the enamel that houses several nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues that extends down to the tooth roots and surrounding bone structures. As you undergo a root canal, it involves removing this mass of tissue and sealing of the canal and pulp chamber to restrict further entry of bacteria, thereby preventing infection.
Every root canal procedure will involve the below procedures.
- X-rays: X-rays help detect whether the patient is in need of a root canal.
- Anesthesia: A local anesthesia is administered before the procedure to prevent discomfort and provide ease.
- Pulpectomy: This procedure removes the diseased pulp from its chamber.
- Filling: The roots are sealed off and cemented with a filling material post removal of the infected pulp.
Dr. Rita Mitbavkar has a state-of-the-art dental practice, UniSmile Dental, in Sunnyvale and San Jose, California. Give us a call at 408-226-1600 or 408-732-5300 to discuss root canal!
