Root Canal Treatment
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure to remove infected or damaged pulp from a tooth, relieving pain and saving the tooth.
Why is a Root Canal Necessary?
- Infected pulp (abscess or bacteria)
- Damaged pulp (trauma or decay)
- Toothache or severe pain
- Swelling or tenderness
- Prolonged sensitivity
Root Canal Procedure:
- Consultation and assessment
- Anesthesia (local or sedation)
- Accessing the pulp chamber
- Removing infected pulp
- Cleaning and shaping canals
- Filling canals with gutta-percha
- Sealing the tooth
- Restoring the tooth (crown or filling)
Types of Root Canals:
- Primary root canal (front teeth)
- Secondary root canal (molars)
- Retreatment (failed previous root canal)
- Apicoectomy (surgical root canal)
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment:
- Relieves toothache and pain
- Saves damaged tooth
- Prevents infection spread
- Restores tooth function
- Cost-effective alternative to extraction
Common Myths
- Root canals are painful (modern anesthesia minimizes discomfort)
- Root canals cause illness (no scientific evidence)
- Extraction is better (root canal saves the tooth)
Aftercare
- Avoid chewing or biting
- Manage pain with medication
- Follow dentist instructions
- Schedule follow-up appointments
Cost:
Varies depending on:
- Tooth location and complexity
- Dentist expertise
- Insurance coverage
Frequently Asked Questions:
30-90 minutes.
Minimal discomfort.
Extraction or implant.
Yes, once restored.
Lifetime with proper care.
