Root Canal Treatment is required when tooth decay progresses to involve the dental pulp and nerve of the tooth, which results in an infection at the tip of the tooth root, causing pain and sometimes swelling or the tooth may feel loose. In such cases, in order to save the tooth, a root canal treatment must be done. Sometimes, there may no symptoms if the infection is present for a long time.
Root canal treatment is avoidable if tooth decay is addressed in the initial stages by a simple filling. The root canal treatment cost in Chennai is also much more than a simple filling. While a tooth filling is done on the crown portion (the part of the tooth visible in the mouth) before the tooth root gets infected, root canal treatment involves filling of the entire tooth till the tip of the root. After a root canal treatment, the tooth will lose all sensation but will remain firm in the mouth as long as the gums and bone are healthy. Since there is no sensation, it is important to protect the tooth with a dental crown to avoid breakages.
A tooth treated with root canal treatment can sometimes get re-infected if improperly done or neglect to maintain good oral health. Regular Oral hygiene Maintenance is very important after root canal treatment to prevent reinfection of the tooth from the gums or from the adjacent teeth. Reinfection after root canal treatment can also happen if a dental crown is not done to protect the tooth.
When is Root Canal Treatment advised?
- A toothache during chewing or during contact with any extreme hot or extreme cold which is usually tolerated
- Constant tooth pain during chewing
- Change in color/Darkening of the tooth
- Fracture of the tooth due to trauma
- Swelling seen in the areas of gums around the tooth
What to expect during a Root Canal procedure ?
- A diagnostic x-ray is required to confirm the decision of the root canal and to plan the procedure.
- A local anaesthetic (a numbing agent) is given to numb the tooth so that you do not feel anything during the procedure and an opening is made in the tooth
- The decay is completely removed and the infection at the root tip is completely removed through the crown of the tooth with special instruments and a medicament is placed within the tooth.
- Once the infection is controlled, the root filling is completed and the opening is sealed with a permanent filling material.
- In some situations, if the tooth structure is damaged or broken more than the acceptable limits, a post is inserted to support the tooth and prevent breakages, especially on the back teeth.
- A crown is then placed on the newly rebuilt tooth. This completes the root canal procedure.