Are you wondering what root canal therapy is? Did a dentist from the Samaritana Dental Clinic in Los Angeles prescribe this treatment? Then, you would probably want to gather as much information about the procedure as possible before undergoing RCT.
When the pulp of the tooth becomes infected by deep decay or inflamed, and the pain worsens with time, you may require root canal therapy. It is one of the most common dental procedures conducted by dentists or endodontists, saving millions of teeth, providing relief from toothaches, and restoring smiles.
Understanding Root Canal
Root Canal Therapy, or RCT, is a form of endodontic treatment that deals with problems inside a tooth. It is best for you to understand the anatomy of a tooth to contemplate the procedure further. There is a hollow center filled with pulp under the hard enamel of the tooth. This pulp is fundamentally a mass of blood vessels, fine nerves, and connective tissue, nourishing the hard tooth tissue during development. The pulp is also responsible for sensations in the tooth.
If the hard enamel of the tooth is cracked open, the pulp is exposed, resulting in inflammation or infection of the root. This may happen due to an accident or general tooth decay that has been left untreated for a long time, forming an abscess.
When this happens, you may have to visit a dentist.
Must Read: How to Ensure an Oral Health Routine for Children Sticks?
A Breakdown of the Process
Here is a breakdown of the Root Canal Therapy process followed at the Samaritana Dental Clinic in Los Angele. A dentist starts by numbing the area around the affected tooth using an anesthetic.
2. After that, the specialist will extract the pulp from inside the infected tooth. If the affected mass of blood vessels and nerves is left untreated, it will form an abscess or cavity. Mature teeth don’t require the pulp because they receive the nourishment they need from the surrounding living tissue. Basically, it is safe to remove the pulp in adults.
3. The dentist will clean and sanitize the hollow section of the tooth to eliminate all infected tissues. After that, they will shape the pulp chamber and prepare it for a filling.
4. The filling is made of a substance that resembles rubber but is biocompatible. By combining it with an adhesive, the dentist seals the root canal completely.
5. Finally, the dentist places a temporary crown on the top of the tooth to protect it until it is restored and a permanent crown is available.
6. Later, the dentist will summon the patient to finish the tooth restoration by placing a permanent crown.
The Pain Factor
Just like any other dental illness, a severe toothache is the first sign that you need RCT. While RCT is notorious for being painful, the toothache you experience before the process due to infection or decay can be profoundly worse. Besides, today’s dentists have access to modern anesthetics and painkillers, which can make the process comfortable and almost painless.
Once RCT is complete, the affected region may remain sensitive for a few days. If any pain arises later, the dentist will prescribe medication for it.
The treated tooth may also look and feel a little out of place compared to the rest of your teeth. It is absolutely normal.
Final Considerations
The dentist from Samaritana Dental Clinic in Los Angeles may suggest you avoid chewing food around the restored tooth until you’re given a permanent crown. Maintaining oral hygiene and timely dental cleaning should be enough to retain the results after the treatment. It’s also worth mentioning that the success rate of RCT is extremely high. The restored tooth will last as long as the natural teeth.