Introduction
If you have ever experienced severe toothache, it is possible that your dentist recommended root canal therapy to fix the issue. Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure that involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp from the tooth’s root canal system. In this blog post, we will discuss what root canal therapy is and when it is necessary.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure that is used to treat an infected or inflamed tooth’s pulp. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp is damaged due to decay, cracks, or trauma, it can cause severe pain, swelling, and even an abscess. Root canal therapy involves removing the damaged pulp, cleaning the root canal system, and filling it with a special material to prevent future infections.
When is Root Canal Therapy Necessary?
Root canal therapy may be necessary when the tooth’s pulp is damaged or infected. Some common signs and symptoms that indicate that you may need a root canal include:
- Severe toothache when chewing or applying pressure on the tooth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Swelling in the gums
- A pimple or bump on the gums
- Discoloration of the tooth
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your dentist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help save the tooth and prevent the infection from spreading.
The Root Canal Therapy Procedure
The root canal therapy procedure usually takes one or two visits to the dentist. Here is what you can expect during the procedure:
- Anesthesia: Your dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth with local anesthesia.
- Pulp Removal: The dentist will create a small opening in the tooth to access the pulp chamber and remove the infected or inflamed pulp.
- Cleaning and Shaping: The dentist will clean the root canal system and shape it to prepare it for filling.
- Filling: The dentist will fill the root canal system with a special material called gutta-percha to prevent future infections.
- Restoration: Finally, the dentist will restore the tooth with a filling or crown to protect it from further damage.
Aftercare
After the root canal therapy procedure, it is normal to experience some discomfort and sensitivity in the treated tooth. Your dentist may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage the discomfort. You should also avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it has been fully restored.
Conclusion
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure that can help save a damaged or infected tooth. If you experience severe toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, or discoloration of the tooth, you should consult your dentist to determine if root canal therapy is necessary. Klinik Pergigian F.T.S. Chin in Kota Kinabalu provides various dental treatments such as cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, veneers, braces, and root canal treatment. If you are looking for a Kota Kinabalu dentist, you can visit ftsdental.com to learn more about their services.
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