Millions of teeth are saved each year with the help of Root Canal or endodontic treatment. A Root Canal treatment relieves pain and makes the tooth healthy again by carefully cleaning and disinfecting the tooth's inside. Many teeth that are fixed with a root canal can last a lifetime. According to th

Millions of teeth are saved each year with the help of Root Canal or endodontic treatment. A Root Canal treatment relieves pain and makes the tooth healthy again by carefully cleaning and disinfecting the tooth's inside. Many teeth that are fixed with a root canal can last a lifetime. According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), more than 15 million root canals occur each year. Over 41,000 root canals are performed every day.

About the treatment

1. What is the procedure?

Steps in the Root canal procedure are discussed below:

Step 1: Anesthetic- Around the affected tooth, your dentist numbs your gum by applying some medication. After this, a local anesthetic is injected into your gum once the numbing medication takes effect. A sharp pinching or a burning sensation will be felt, which will quickly pass.

The patient stays awake throughout the procedure but will not feel any pain because of the anesthetic.

Step 2: Pulp Removal- The dentist will make a small opening in the tooth's top while it is numb. Then your dentist will carefully remove the infected pulp using special tools called files once it is exposed. All the pathways or canals in your tooth will be carefully cleaned.

Step 3: Antibiotics- The specialist may coat the area with a topical antibiotic once the pulp has been removed for preventing any sort of reinfection. The dentist seals the tooth with a sealer paste and rubber-like material called gutta-percha once the canals are cleaned and disinfected. You might also be prescribed oral antibiotics.

Step 4: Temporary filling- Soft, temporary material will be used to fill the small opening at the top of the tooth. The dentist fills the small opening at the end of the procedure. Thus, your canals will be saved from getting damaged by the saliva.

2. What are the signs and symptoms?

Signs that a root canal therapy might be needed include:

1. Severe pain in the tooth while chewing or applying pressure.

2. Pain or sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures for a prolonged period of time.

3. Darkening or discoloration of the tooth

4. Tenderness and swelling in the gums present nearby.

5. Presence of a recurring or persistent pimple on the gums.

3. How is it diagnosed?(4)

A dentist uses the following methods to determine when a Root Canal is required:

• X-rays- They are inevitable in the diagnosis of tooth decay, primarily for assessing the need for a Root canal.

• Thermal and electric testing- This testing on the tooth helps determine pulp sensory

• Tapping and percussing on the tooth helps in evaluating the symptoms of the patients.

• Checking for nerve exposure, which is apparent while removing decay on the surface of the tooth.

• Test for Cavity

• The tooths mobility

• A chipped or cracked tooth.