Root canal treatment
Root canal treatment, also known as “endodontic treatment,” is one of the most popular dental procedures used to treat infected teeth or problems with the pulp. Root canal treatment aims to help the affected tooth remain in the mouth and function for a long time.
Why do you need root canal treatment?
An infection that occurs in the pulp or tissues inside the tooth is usually caused by deep tooth decay, injury, or a buildup of plaque that has not been cleaned. When an infection occurs within the pulp, it can cause pain and inflammation. If not treated properly, the infection can spread to the tissues surrounding the tooth root and eventually require tooth extraction.
Symptoms that indicate a root canal treatment is needed
- Injury or trauma to the tooth, such as a blow, crack, or fracture that is severe enough to affect the tooth’s nerve.
- Pain that occurs on its own ( pain occurs even when you are just sitting still )
- Constant pain ( pain that occurs lasts for minutes )
- Sharp or throbbing pain
- Pain when exposed to heat or cold
- The bite hurts more.
- Swollen gums or pustules
- Dead teeth: Teeth will appear darker in color.
Root canal treatment procedures
1. Diagnosis – The dentist will examine the tooth and take X-rays to determine the severity of the infection.
2. Pain relief – Before starting treatment, the dentist will administer anesthesia to reduce pain during the treatment.
3. Cleaning the pulp chamber – The dentist will open the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canal. Then, the infected tissue and bacteria will be removed.
4. Root canal filling – After cleaning the root canal, the root canal is filled with a material called “gutta-percha” to prevent further infection.
5. Dental crowns – After treatment is complete, your dentist may recommend that you have a dental crown placed to strengthen the tooth and prevent future fractures.
Advantages of root canal treatment
-Helps preserve natural teeth – Root canal treatment allows patients to preserve their natural teeth in their mouths instead of having to extract them.
-Improves quality of life – Treated teeth can function normally, allowing patients to chew food to their full potential.
Post-root canal treatment care
After root canal treatment is complete, patients should continue to care for their teeth to keep them in good condition. Some recommendations include:
– You should avoid chewing food with the tooth that has had a root canal treatment because it may cause the tooth to break.
– Do not eat immediately or wait until the anesthetic has worn off to prevent biting your tongue or cheeks.
-You should keep your appointment with the doctor to reduce the risk of having to extract that tooth.
summarize
Root canal treatment is an effective option for treating infected teeth, preventing the need for tooth extraction and allowing patients to regain normal tooth function. Taking care of the tooth after root canal treatment is important to maintain the long-term health of the tooth.
Frequently asked questions about root canal treatment
Symptoms that indicate a problem with the tooth root include the development of an abscess at the root tip, which may be draining, or an x-ray. All of these symptoms cannot be treated with a filling; the root canal must be treated first.
The presence of pus at the tip of the tooth root is caused by tooth decay that has occurred for a long time without treatment, resulting in inflammation of the tissue at the tip of the tooth root.
When there is inflammation in the pulp chamber, whether from tooth decay, a cracked or fractured tooth, the pulp chamber (the tissue inside the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue) becomes infected and inflamed. This inflammation causes pain and swelling in the tooth and surrounding organs.
This includes relieving pain and / or allowing for further treatment as planned by the dentist. Root canal treatment also helps to keep the tooth root in the mouth so that the tooth can be restored for proper function.
After root canal treatment, you will usually feel some pain for the first 2-3 days and may experience some swelling of the gums. The pain will gradually ease and disappear on its own. It can be relieved with pain relievers.
Root canal disease may not cause pain, but the disease progresses. It may be detected through dental x-rays or by the presence of pus in the gums. If a root canal is found to require treatment, it should be treated promptly to reduce tooth loss.
Real teeth are considered the most natural way to function. No denture is better than real teeth. When dental problems occur and the teeth can still be saved, they should be saved because tooth extraction can cause gaps between teeth that may cause teeth to fall out, gum disease, or other problems that may be treated with removable dentures or dental implants.
Root canal treatment may not be completed in one visit. Your dentist will often place a temporary crown or cap on the tooth to prevent further tooth fracture.
Because root canal treatment can hollow out the tooth and make the remaining tooth structure fragile and prone to cracking, the treated tooth must be crowned to prevent possible cracking.
Everyone should normally see a dentist every 6 months for a dental checkup and oral examination to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Therefore, after the root canal treatment is complete, you must return to see your dentist to reduce the risk of needing another root canal treatment. Therefore, you should see your dentist regularly.
Or if any abnormality is found, it should be treated immediately. Reduce and avoid foods that cause tooth decay, such as sweets, soft drinks, and avoid behaviors that harm teeth, such as biting hard objects or using teeth to pull things.
If you take care of your teeth, you can extend their lifespan.
Endodontics
Dr. Pathinee Pladisasai, DDS.
Dr.Pathnee Pladisai,DDS,MSc,FRCD
ENDODONTIST(endodontics-root canal treatment)
2011 DDS (1st class honor) Chulalongkorn University
2016 MSc in Endodontic, Chulalongkorn University
2017 Diplomate Thai board in Endodontic (FRCD—Fellowship of the Royal College of Dentists of Thailand)
Research publication
International journal publication of “Journal of Endodontic” in March 2016 in the title of “Effectiveness of Different Disinfection Protocols in the Reduction of Enterococcus faecalis in Teeth with Large Root Canals”
2016, Special Lecturer, Faculty of Dentistry, Srinakharinwirot University
2020 Research Examination Committee, Postgraduate Students, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University
2021-Present: Special Lecturer, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University
Dr. Natchayaporn Trapsisopa, D.D.S.
Dr.Nuchayaporn Shupsrisopa ,DDS
ENDODONTIST(endodontics-root canal treatment)
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University
- Graduate Diploma of Clinical Sciences Dentistry (endodontics), Chiang Mai University
