Prudental Clinic in Pune believes informed patients make the best decisions when it comes to their oral health. Root canal treatment is among the most common dental procedures that many people may need in their life. If you have heard about it but are not exactly sure what it includes, this post is for you. Let’s talk about what’s involved in the root canal procedure, what is treated, and what to expect after the process.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental treatment adapted to handle pulp infection or damage. The pulp is the soft tissue inside your tooth that comprises the nerves and blood vessels. When this area has become infected or inflamed-usually due to deep decay, trauma, or repeated dental procedures root canal treatment can save your tooth and stop the ache.
Root Canal Procedure
1. Diagnosis
Examination is the first step involved in the root canal process. Our dentists at Prudental Clinic will go through your tooth and the infection extent with the help of advanced imaging techniques such as X-rays.
2. Anesthesia
To make you comfortable, local anaesthesia is administered to numb the concerned tooth and the area around it. This makes the procedure painless and helps ensure a smooth recovery from root canal treatment.
3. Accessing the Pulp
Once this area has been anaesthetized, the dentist will make an access opening in the crown of the tooth. This allows for passage to the pulp chamber and root canals.
4. Cleaning and Shaping
Delicate instruments will be used to remove the infected or damaged pulp. The dentist cleans and shapes the root canals to prepare them for fillings.
5. Obturation of Canals
After cleaning, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material known as gutta-percha. This seals the space to prevent further infection.
6. Restoration
Lastly, the tooth is restored with either a filling or a crown, depending on how extreme the damage has been. This helps protect the tooth and also restore its function.
What Conditions Does a Root Canal Treat?
Root canal treatment is usually advised for root canal symptoms such as:
- Severe Tooth Decay: When decay reaches the pulp, it can become infected.
- Trauma: Trauma to a tooth may cause damage to the pulp. In addition, your dentist may recommend root canal treatment because
- Recurrent Dental Procedures: Repeated procedures on the same tooth may cause irritation to the pulp.
- Cracks or Chips: These can provide bacteria with an entry point, causing infection.
Recovery After a Root Canal
Recovery from a root canal is usually smooth sailing, but here’s what you can expect:
1. Immediate Post-Procedure Care
After the process, there could be some tenderness, usually controlled by over-the-counter pain relievers. It would be expected that for a couple of days, some swelling or sensitivity may remain.
2. Follow-Up Appointments
Your dentist will be booking follow-up appointments with you to assure you that the healing is proper and that the restoration is working as it should be. This is also a good time to discuss any concerns you might have.
3. Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential during your recovery. Gently brush and floss the treated area, avoiding hard foods until your dentist instructs you otherwise.
4. Root Canal Recovery Time
Whereas most patients return to normal life within a couple of days, the complete recovery time might take some weeks, depending on individual circumstances.
Conclusion
Root canal procedure is very effective in salvaging a tooth and relieving pain resulting from infection or damage. Our team of dentists in Kothrud, Pune emphasizes the comfort of our patients and the delivery of the highest level of care. If you suspect that you will require a root canal or would like more information regarding the procedure, do not hesitate to get in touch.