What is Root Canal Therapy and Is It Necessary?

alontom August 17, 2022

0 1,174 3 minutes read

Root canal therapy molar is a procedure in which the pulp (soft tissue) of the tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels, is treated to prevent infection and further damage. Although it may be alarming to hear, decay can infiltrate inside your tooth through small holes in its surface called dentinal tubules. Left untreated, these infections can spread to other parts of your body.

If left untreated, an infected tooth will likely result in pain and eventually require extraction of the tooth. In many cases, a root canal may not be necessary for every patient. Your dentist can help you determine whether or not this treatment is necessary for you based on your unique case. Here’s what you need to know about root canal therapy:

What is Root Canal Therapy?

A root canal procedure is performed when a tooth’s pulp (soft tissue) becomes inflamed or infected. This happens when tooth decay penetrates deep inside the tooth and destroys the tissue that nourishes the tooth, creating a painful and infected wound that won’t heal. Root canals are necessary when a tooth’s pulp becomes infected, usually from lingering bacteria after a cavity has been cleaned from the tooth surface. The pulp is the soft tissue inside a tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels.

How is Root Canal Therapy Performed?

This procedure is performed in two steps. The first step is cleaning out of the infected pulp to reduce the risk of future infection. During the second step, a filling is placed inside the cleaned-out root canal system to restore the normal function of the tooth. Dentists will numb the area (often with a topical anesthetic) to minimize discomfort. A local anesthetic is not always necessary for this procedure, but regional anesthesia is sometimes performed for patients who are anxious about the process.

Possible After-effects of Root Canal Therapy

Some after-effects of root canal therapy include sensitivity, dry mouth, crown or bridgework issues, and an increased risk of root fracture (especially for teeth with endodontic treatment, such as teeth with a fractured root). If a patient experiences these side effects or symptoms such as a bad taste, a change in the fit of a partial denture, or the feeling that a tooth is loose, they should see their dentist to determine whether they require additional treatment. Root canals are occasionally associated with a higher risk of periodontal (gum) disease. Patients should have regular dental examinations and cleanings to maintain healthy gums.

Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?

Root canal therapy molar is a very common procedure, performed on many patients every day. Many patients do not experience any pain during the procedure, especially if they have received a local anesthetic. However, some people may experience mild pain during the procedure.

Dental Care After Root Canal Therapy

After root canal therapy molar, patients should avoid aggressive brushing, particularly at the site of the root canal. Gentle brushing every other day combined with regular flossing is sufficient to keep the site healthy. Some patients may choose to use an antimicrobial product, such as an antimicrobial mouthwash, or an antimicrobial toothpaste to reduce the risk of infection and maintain good oral hygiene. If you have had root canal therapy, it is even more important to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups. This will help you catch any potential issues before they become serious.

Conclusion

Root canal therapy is a common, yet serious, procedure performed by dentists to treat and prevent infection in teeth. This procedure is often necessary when decay has reached the root of a tooth and is not treatable through regular at-home care. If left untreated, an infected tooth can lead to serious health problems. Dentists will numb the tooth and clean out the infected pulp before filling the tooth to prevent further damage.