From Decay to Restoration: How a Root Canal Can Save Your Tooth?

Let us start with a Case Study. Smith, 37 a 37-year-old male, came to our emergency department. He had swelling on his cheeks, neck, and eyes! So much that he couldn’t keep his eyes open. We at Dentist at Dickson immediately started his treatment and found out that he had an infection in his tooth, which had spread to his gums and beyond. We also found that he has intermittent tolerable pain and a pimple-like bump on his gums. He was suffering from tooth decay which is a symptom of a Root Canal (RC). If ignored, it can lead to tooth loss or even systemic infection, which can spread to other organs and potentially damage them. RC Treatment is an age-old procedure, but with modern technology, it has become more efficient and, most importantly, more comfortable. This procedure can save an infected tooth and restore its function as well as its appearance.

Let Us Understand How Decay Occurs. We Need To Understand The Tooth Structure.

1. A tooth consists of multiple layers, the outermost layer being enamel, which is the hardest layer protecting the inner layers from bacteria and damage. Followed by the denti, which connects to nerves.

2. When enamel is damaged and dentin is exposed, it leads to sensitivity to hot or cold. Then there is the nerve which nourishes the tooth.

3. The cementum and periodontal ligament connect the tooth to the jaw bone. When food particles, especially sugar and starches, are stuck in tooth or enamel. It forms a sticky layer called plaque. Bacteria in plaque damage the enamel and reach the dentin.

4. Chances are that you may not feel pain at this point as the erosion hasn’t reached the nerve. But you might feel the ‘hole’ or ‘gap’ in the tooth.

5. If ignored, it reaches the nerve to cause pain and discomfort. If left untreated, it can lead to abscess and spread to gums, jawbones, neck, face, or even the systemic infection.

RC Treatment can stop the infection from spreading and rescue the tooth from decay. It is a dental process in which an infected nerve is removed and cleaned. It is then sealed and covered with a cap to stop further damage.

The Root Canal Specialist Procedure Involves:

1. Diagnosis and X-ray

The dentist needs to evaluate if you need RCT, and an X-ray determines the extent of the infection.

2. Anaesthesia

For a painless and comfortable experience, the area is numbed before the treatment.

3. Infected Nerve Removal

The infected part is removed, and the tooth’s inner chamber is meticulously cleaned.

4. Disinfection and sealing

The canal is disinfected and filled with a special material to stop reinfection.

5. Restoration

A dental crown is placed to reinstate the tooth’s strength and function.

When Do You Need RC Treatment?

If you have persistent tooth pain, feel extreme toothache while eating something hot/cold, when your gums hurt, have visible damage or a hole in your teeth, or have a pimple-like bump on your gums, you should consult an RCT Specialist today!

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