Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Treatment

A tooth consists of three layers: enamel, dentin and pulp tissue. The part of a tooth exposed in the oral cavity is known as the ‘crown’ and the invisible part of the tooth embedded in the jaw bone below the crown is known as the ‘root.’ Inside your tooth, beneath the white enamel and a hard layer called dentin, is a soft tissue called pulp. This tissue contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue, which provides nourishment to the root of the tooth and helps in its development and growth. A fully developed tooth can survive without the pulp (nerve tissue) because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected tooth in order to prevent and save the natural tooth.

When a person undergoes a root canal, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed. The inner surface of the root of the tooth is carefully cleaned, shaped and disinfected and then filled with an inert bio-compatible material  called gutta percha (a resin).

Root canal therapy is a procedure to save a tooth that has become unhealthy, damaged or badly decayed due to its nerve infection. During this procedure, the infected pulp or tissue which is lying in the canal in the root of the tooth, is cleaned out to prevent further damage to the tooth.

There’s no need to be worried if your dentist or endodontist (root canal specialist) prescribes a root canal procedure to treat a damaged or diseased tooth. Millions of teeth are treated and saved, relieving pain and making them healthy again. The best dental clinics in Delhi are performing root canals as a routine procedure.

The modern root canal treatment technique backed by technology, has taken out the drudgery and pain from this treatment! It’s very similar to a routine filling and can usually be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the condition of your tooth and your personal circumstances. Getting a root canal is relatively painless and extremely effective. You’ll be back to smiling, biting and chewing with ease in no time.

Saving the natural tooth with root canal treatment has many advantages:

• Efficient Chewing
• Normal Biting Force and Sensation
• Natural Appearance
• Protects other Teeth from Excessive Wear or Strain

Why is a Root Canal Carried Out?

The root canal is the narrow passage where the nerve is situated. When this area becomes infected or inflamed, it can be painful and cause serious health problems if not addressed. In most cases, the unhealthy area over time, has abscess (pus discharge) from within because of infection. This may lead to excruciating pain that forces the patient to seek treatment. Since natural teeth are the best teeth, the best dentists in Delhi always counsel their patients to save their teeth by root canals instead of extracting them (as that is the only option if the infected nerve of the tooth is not treated by root canal treatment).

Can a Root Canal Treat Any Tooth?

The modern technique of root canal treatment can save the majority of the infected teeth. In few exceptional situations, an infected or painful tooth that needs treatment may have a calcified nerve or pulp. This happens when soft tissues within the root canals harden over time. Completing the necessary treatment may not be possible in such a case and tooth extraction becomes the only option.

Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?

With the modern technique of root canal treatment (which is backed by technology and completely motorised) and highly effective anesthetic solutions, the root canal treatment is as comfortable as a traditional filling. A root canal treatment relieves the intense pain caused by the infected nerve in the tooth. The area around the infected tooth is numbed before the procedure to maximize your comfort. In reputed dental clinics in Delhi extra care is provided by the root canal specialists to numb the tooth first with the gel followed by injection.

How Safe is the Root Canal Process?

Root canal treatment is effective and safe, primarily when performed by a trained and seasoned specialist of root canal treatment called the ‘endodontist.’ Root canal therapy has been carried out for decades and advancements in its technology, techniques, pain management and disinfectants has resulted in this treatment being more successful and predictable. Root canals are intended to preserve natural teeth and prevent reinfection, negating the need for a tooth extraction.

Is a Root Canal Better Than an Extraction?

Yes, a root canal treatment is any day better than removing/extracting your natural teeth. Although you can replace your extracted tooth with dental implants and bridges, there is nothing that can truly replace your natural teeth as God given teeth are the best teeth in the world. Nothing beats nature. With root canal therapy, you can keep your original tooth without needing an extraction. In addition, root canal therapy is cheaper than the cost of a tooth extraction followed by a bridge or dental implant to replace the lost tooth.

Does the Root Canal Treatment Weaken the Tooth?

Removing the tooth pulp or inner section will preserve your tooth’s overall structure. Though the root canal tooth gets a little brittle, it can be reinforced with dental restorations such as a dental crown or an onlay. Your dentist will recommend the best treatment to restore your tooth’s strength, appearance and function after the root canal therapy is completed. In the best dental clinics in South Delhi a ceramic crown is an extended treatment of the root canal procedure.

What Should I Expect After My Root Canal Therapy?

When the numbing wears off, you may experience some discomfort however, you will be relieved of the severe pain you felt before the root canal therapy. The inner nerves and infected tissues have been removed, giving you relief. For most people, the treated area may feel tender for a few days as the surrounding tissues heal. You should eat soft food till you get your dental crown on the tooth. Please follow the instructions and medications prescribed only by your dentist/root canal specialist.

Don’t Wait to Seek Root Canal Therapy

If you are concerned about your infected or damaged teeth, you should not hesitate to make an appointment with your dentist. Putting off dental treatment can cause more extensive damage to your oral health. However, when performed early enough, root canal therapy is an effective method to stop infection and preserve your natural teeth. Earlier the treatment is done, the better is the success rate.

To book an appointment with us in, ‘Smile Delhi – The Dental Clinic’– call us on +91-9811106871 or whatsapp Dr. Suprriya B Bhatia on +91-9811106377. You can also mail us on [email protected]

“We Care To Make You Smile”

Posted by: Dr Hema