A root canal is a procedure done to save a tooth that has been extensively decaying or infected. Deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a tooth, big fillings,a crack, or a chip in the tooth can cause the nerve and pulp to become irritated,inflamed, and infected. It can also occur as a result of facial trauma.

The nerve and pulp of the tooth are removed, and the interior is cleaned and sealedduring a root canal operation. Without treatment, the tissue around the tooth may getinfected, resulting in an abscess.

After a tooth has broken through the gums, the nerve is no longer necessary for itshealth and function. Its sole purpose is to provide the sensation of hot or cold. Thelack of a nerve has no bearing on how your tooth functions.

Root canals have a reputation for being excruciatingly painful. However, theoperation is no more unpleasant than getting a filling.

Why is it necessary to remove tooth pulp?

When the nerve tissue or pulp of a tooth is damaged, it breaks down, allowing germsto grow in the pulp chamber. Germs and other decaying material can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that develops at the end of a tooth's roots. When an infection spreads beyond the ends of thetooth's roots, it forms an abscess. An infection in a tooth's root canal can also lead to:

  • Swelling of the face, neck, or head that may extend to other parts of the body
  • Bone loss near the root's tip
  • Drainage issues that radiate from the root. A hole can form on the side of thetooth, allowing for drainage into the gums, or on the cheek, allowing fordraining into the skin.

What Are the Signs That You Need a Root Canal Treatment?

If you require a root canal treatment, you may experience the following symptoms:

  • Persistent tooth sensitivity, particularly to heat or cold
  • When eating or biting, there is a sharp ache.
  • You have pimples on your gums.
  • Teeth that are chipped or cracked
  • Gums that are swollen or uncomfortable
  • Gums that are discolored or have much deterioration 

Root Canal Treatment Procedure 

A root canal can be performed by a dentist or an endodontist. A dentist whospecializes in the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disorders andinjuries of the dental pulp or nerve of the tooth are known as an endodontist. If youhave a more complicated root canal, and your general dentist may refer you to anendodontist.

The method will go as follows:

  • Your dentist will take an X-ray to evaluate how the root canals areshaped and to see if there are any signs of infection in the surrounding bone.They'll numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. Although thenerve is no longer alive, most dentists nevertheless anesthetize the area tomake you feel more comfortable.
  • A rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth duringtreatment to keep the area dry and free of saliva. Drilling a hole through thetooth is the next stage. The tooth's pulp, germs, and decaying nerve tissueare removed. A succession of root canal files is used to clear up the region.Water or sodium hypochlorite will be sprayed in the area when the procedureis completed to flush away the debris.
  • The tooth is sealed once it has been completely cleaned. Some dentistschoose to seal the tooth after a week. For example, if there is an infection,your dentist may place a drug into the tooth to treat it. Others may want toseal the tooth on the same day that it is cleaned. If the root canal isn'tcompleted the same day, a temporary filling is placed in the tooth's externalhole to keep saliva and food out until the next session.
  • A sealer paste and a rubber compound called gutta-percha are injected intothe root canal at the next session to fill the tooth's interior.To close theaccess hole established at the start of therapy, a filler will be placed.
  • The tooth may need to be restored in the final step. A tooth that requires aroot canal usually has a large filling, severe decay, or other weaknesses. As a result, you may need a crown, crown, and post, or other restoration to safeguard it, prevent it from breaking, and return it to full functionality.

Any additional dental work will be discussed with you by your dentist.

Recovery After Root Canal Treatment

For a few hours after a root canal treatment, your mouth will be numb. Most people can returnto work, school, or other activities immediately. Before eating, you might wish to waituntil the numbness is gone.

The tooth may feel sensitive for the first few days after a root canal because of tissueinflammation, especially if there was discomfort or infection before the operation.Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen can usually help (Aleve).

Avoid chewing with the tooth until the root canal operation is completed and a permanent filling or crown is in place. This keeps the area clean and may prevent a delicate tooth from fracturing before it can be fixed completely.Brush, floss, and use an antiseptic mouthwash as usual, and visit your dentist regularly.

Root Canal Prognosis 

Root canal therapy is a highly successful surgery with a success rate of over 95%.Many root canal-treated teeth might last a lifetime.

Complications of the Root Canal Treatment

Following a root canal, new infections may develop. The following are some of the most plausible explanations:

  • There are more root canals in a tooth than is generally expected (leaving one of them uncleaned).
  • An unnoticed break in a tooth's root.
  • A flaw in the restoration has allowed microorganisms to enter the tooth'sinterior. 
  • Bacteria can recontaminate the inner tooth due to a breakdown of the inner sealing substance over time.

Sometimes retreatment will solve the condition, but surgery will berequired to save the tooth in some cases. Apicoectomy, or root-end resection, is the most commonoperation. It treats inflammation or infection in the bony area around your tooth'send. The gum tissue is opened, the infected tissue is removed, and sometimes thevery end of the root is removed during this surgery. To seal the root canal, a tiny filler may be used.

Cost for Root Canal Treatment

The cost is determined by the severity of the disease and the tooth involved.Endodontic treatment is covered in some form by many dental insurance coverages.My estimate for a root canal treatment performed by a general dentist (without including a dental restoration after the procedure) could range from ₹2500 to ₹4500.

Alternatives to Root Canal Therapy

If at all feasible, keeping your natural teeth is the best alternative. Your natural teeth enable you to consume a wide range of meals that are important for good nutrition.Your teeth may be saved with root canal surgery. Tooth extraction and replacement with a bridge, implant, or removable partialdenture is the sole alternative to a root canal operation. These solutions are more expensive and take longer to treat than a root canal.

Preventing Root Canals Treatment

Because significant decay, repeated dental operations, or big fillings can cause the nerve and pulp of a tooth to become inflamed and infected, there are precautionsyou can take to avoid a root canal:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice every day.
  • At least once a day, floss your teeth.
  • Avoid sports-related injuries by using a mouthguard.
  • See your dentist regularly.