Root canal treatment = The tooth saver?

Anatomy or sturcture of a tooth

Endo” is the Greek word for “inside” and “odont” is Greek for “tooth.” Endodontic treatment treats the inside of the tooth.

At the center of a tooth is a hollow area that houses of soft tissue, known as pulp or nerve. This hollow area contains a relatively wide space in the coronal portion of the tooth called the pulp chamber. This chamber is connected to the tip of the root via narrow canal(s); hence, the term "root canal."

A tooth's nerve and pulp can become irritated, and infected because of deep decay, large fillings, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma to the face. If the infected or dead pulp untreated, pus can build up at the root tip in the jawbone, forming an abscess which can destroy the bone surrounding the tooth and cause unbearable pain.

 

What is a Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is the process removal of the tooth pulp, a small, thread-like tissue in the center of the tooth. Once the damaged, diseased or dead pulp is removed, the remaining space is cleaned, shaped and filled. The root canal is sealed off.

What Are the Signs That a Root Canal Treatment Is Needed?

 You may need a root canal treatment if,

• Severe toothache pain while chewing
• Prolonged sensitivity/pain to heat or cold  

      temparature

• Discoloration/yellowish of the           

          tooth                       

• Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
• A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums
• Sometimes no symptoms are present

What are the procedures of root canal treatment?

From left to right: images of procedure of root canal treatment

• Decay is removed to expose the nerve tissues and access into the canal.
• The pulpal tissue is removed with special files
• The canals are cleaned, shaped to allow filling of the root canal system

• The canals are filled and restored with temporary filling

 

Video of root canal treatment:

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

You should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist. The unrestored tooth is susceptible to fracture, so you should see your dentist for a full restoration as soon as possible. 

A post is needed if tooth structure not sufficient to support the crown

A crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.                                                          

Full restoration of root treated tooth

Otherwise, you need only practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular checkups and cleanings.

Is a root canal treatment painful?

Pain, the fear of pain is the main reason of us delay our visit to the dentist for dental check up. Finally end up suffering much more pain than those visiting their dentist early for proper treatment.

Endodontic treatment can relieve the toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure. 

However, the tooth may feel sensitive for the first few days following the completion of a root canal due to natural tissue inflammation, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure.

Is it worth to save instead of extracting it?

Extraction may be a quicker and cheaper alternative, but seldom is it in the best interest of the patient. Most of  times, an extraction leads to subsequent problems such as general instability of the whole dental arch because the adjacent teeth will over growing and shifting.

Endodontic treatment with full restoration usually cheaper than a bridge or an implant placement following extraction. It is a cost-effective way to treat teeth with damaged pulp. 


Teeth with diseased or injured pulps were removed at years ago. Today, root 
canal treatment enable keep the teeth that would otherwise be lost. 
Most endodontically treated teeth last as other natural teeth as far as oral health care is concerned.

"Nothing, not even the most advanced bridges and implants, can truly replace your natural tooth"

Save your natural tooth should always be your first choice

Gum Disease

Healthy gums enhance the appearance of your teeth, like a frame around a beautiful painting

When your gums become unhealthy, they can either recede or become swollen and red. In later stages, the supporting bone is destroyed and your teeth will shift, loosen, or fall out. These changes not only affect your ability to chew and speak. They also spoil your smile.

In estimation, 80% of world’s population experience gingivitis. Gingivitis is a very common and mild form of gum disease and we may not be aware that we have this condition. But, it is important to take it seriously and treat it promptly because it can lead to more serious gum disease (periodontitis) and eventually tooth loss.

What do I know if I have gingivitis?

gingivitis

There are few classical symptoms which including,

•       Swollen gums
•       Bleeding gums during brushing teeth 
•        Bright red appearance to gums
•       Gums that are tender when touched
•       Shiny appearance to gum

What are the causes of gingivitis? 

The main cause of gingivitis is plaque. Plaque is the soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms constantly on the teeth and gums. If plaque is inadequately removed, it turns into a hard deposit called tartar that becomes trapped at the tooth and on or under the gum.  Plaque and tartar produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. Severity of the gingivitis depends on the person’s health, age or oral hygiene habits.

Plaque & Tartar on gum line

Why my teeth become loose and longer?

periodontal disease

 

Periodontitis occurs when inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) is untreated or treatment is delayed.

Symptoms of periodontitis:

• Swollen, bright red gums 
• Loose teeth 
• Persistent breath odor or a bad taste in your mouth
• Gums that feel tender when touched
• Gums that pull away from your teeth (recede), making your teeth look longer than normal
• New spaces developing between your teeth
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

 
PERIODONTITIS ALWAYS DEVELOPS FROM A PRE EXISTENT GINGIVITIS,
however 
GINGIVITIS DOES NOT ALWAYS DEGENERATE INTO PERIODONTAL DISEASE 

What should I do to get rid of gingivitis/periodontitis?

•   Brushing teeth twice daily, morning and night  
•  Use a fluoridated toothpaste
•  Floss at least once daily or use interdental toothbrush to  clean space between the teeth
• Visit the dentist at least once in 6 months for regular check up
•  Avoid sugary foods, tobacco and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
•   Keep all removable dental appliances as clean as you would keep your teeth