Root Canal treatment is a fairly common treatment utilized by dentists to preserve the longevity of a damaged tooth. The procedure involves a dentist removing the inner tissue – known as the pulp – from inside the tooth and then cleaning out, filling and finally sealing the tooth to prevent infection.
Root canals are often performed when tooth damage, either through decay or other means, leaves the tooth’s pulp exposed to bacteria in the patient’s mouth. Without treatment, the bacteria can result in the pulp becoming infected and eventually it will die. Once dead, if not removed, the pulp will continue to decay, releasing further bacteria which can affect the jaw bone.
Whilst the simplest answer may be simply to remove the entire tooth, a dentist may instead opt to perform root canal treatment in order to preserve the tooth. Removing the entire tooth could create problems with biting and chewing as the remaining teeth shift due to the space left behind, and so is a practical alternative to tooth removal.
The decision to carry out a root canal will depend on a dentist’s assessment of the affected tooth. If they decide a root canal is necessary, then a dentist will first create an opening in the tooth, often by drilling into the tooth under local anaesthetic.
Once the opening has been created, the dentist will remove the pulp from the root cavity and clean the inside of the tooth using specially-developed files. The dentist will also sculpt the inside of the tooth to ensure a good seal.
Then, the root cavity is filled with a special rubber substance called ‘gutta percha’ that stops bacteria from re-entering the tooth before applying a dental filling to seal the tooth.
Further dental check-ups will also be required to ensure the root canal treatment has been successful and that the filling remains intact. Maintaining a good dental hygiene program is also important to help increase the treatment’s chance of success.
Indeed, the success rate of root canal treatment is extremely high, with the probability of successful treatment around 95%. In most cases, root canal treatment can preserve the affected tooth for many years after treatment as the tooth remains alive despite the absence of the pulp.
If you are in need of root canal treatment in Hicksville NY, contact Broadway Dental today to schedule your visit.