What You Need To Know About An Root Canal: What Causes A Root Canal? And How Are They Done?
Root canals are a fairly common dental procedure. Root canal treatment is used to remove the infection and cure the tooth in order to preserve it or save it from extraction. In this article, we will answer some questions about root canals and show you how they are performed.
What causes a root canal?
Root canals are typically done when the tooth is no longer able to be saved by any other means. These can occur due to a variety of reasons, including decay, infection, or injury. The most common cause of a tooth that needs a root canal is decay. Decay can happen anywhere in the tooth, but it’s most common in the root area. When decay is severe enough, it can affect the nerve that supplies the tooth with nutrients and oxygen. This can make the tooth unable to function properly and may need to be removed.
Teeth roots are surrounded by a hard outer layer called enamel. Decay can cause this layer to break down and sink into the root canal area. This sinking causes the area to become narrow and difficult to access. In some cases, a root canal may actually have to be done through the roof of the mouth (maxilla).
How is the procedure done?
There are several ways to perform a root canal: using a power drill, using a special instrument called an endodontic drill, or using a hot knife. The goal is to remove the affected root and any surrounding damage/infection while preserving as much of the surrounding tooth structure as possible.
Root canals are generally done on teeth that have been severely damaged or infected; if the tooth is merely decayed, it may be best to leave it alone and wait for it to fall out. In some cases, however, a tooth may be so badly damaged that it cannot wait, and a root canal may be the only option.
Aftercare of a root canal
Root canals are a common dental procedure and most people go through them without any problems. However, there are some things that you should know about root canals to help ensure a good aftercare experience. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
- Always consult with your dentist before having a root canal done. They will be able to tell you if the procedure is right for you and provide you with detailed instructions on how to take care of yourself after the surgery.
- If you experience any pain or discomfort following the root canal, do not hesitate to call your dentist or health care provider. They may be able to prescribe you medication or recommend other treatments to help relieve your symptoms.
- Be sure to clean the area around the root canal site regularly with warm water and soap. This will help remove any bacteria that may have grown in the tooth socket and prevent future tooth decay.
- Do not smoke or eat candy or other hard foods for at least two hours after having a root canal done. These habits can cause further damage to the tooth and increase the risk of infection.
Conclusion
Root canals are a common dental procedure that is often needed to fix a problem with a tooth. A root canal is when the dentist removes the pulp (the soft, innermost part of the tooth) and the surrounding dentin using local anesthetic. The goal of a root canal is to restore oral health by fixing any damage done to the teeth, gums, or nerve endings. There are several different types of root canals, but all require general anesthesia and typically take about two hours to complete. If you have any questions about how a root canal might be performed or if you are concerned about potential risks, please contact your dentist for more information.
