What does Canal Root Surgery Mean?
Canal root surgery, often referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure aimed at treating the inside of a tooth when it becomes infected or inflamed.
This treatment focuses on the root canals within the tooth, which are small, thin pathways that contain the tooth’s nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what root canal surgery involves and means:
Purpose of Root Canal Surgery
- Infection or Inflammation: The main purpose is to address an infection or inflammation within the tooth’s pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth.
- Preserve the Tooth: It aims to save the natural tooth and prevent the need for extraction.
Indications for Root Canal Surgery
- Deep Decay: When a cavity reaches the pulp and causes infection.
- Cracks or Chips: A tooth that is cracked or chipped can allow bacteria to enter the pulp.
- Repeated Dental Procedures: Multiple procedures on a single tooth can cause pulp damage.
- Trauma: A blow to the tooth that damages the pulp without visible cracks or chips.
Procedure Steps
- Diagnosis: X-rays are taken to assess the extent of the infection and determine the shape of the root canals.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied to numb the tooth and surrounding area.
- Access Opening: An opening is made through the crown of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber.
- Pulp Removal: The infected or inflamed pulp is removed from the pulp chamber and root canals.
- Cleaning and Shaping: The empty canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to remove any remaining bacteria and tissue.
- Filling: The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, which seals the canals.
- Sealing: The access opening is temporarily filled, and later a permanent restoration, such as a crown, is placed to protect and restore the tooth.
Post-Treatment
- Temporary Sensitivity: Some sensitivity or discomfort might be experienced for a few days post-treatment.
- Restoration: The tooth may need additional restoration to fully function and match the appearance of natural teeth.
Benefits
- Pain Relief: Eliminates pain caused by the infection or inflammation.
- Prevents Spread of Infection: Stops the spread of infection to other parts of the mouth or body.
- Maintains Natural Tooth: Preserves the natural tooth, which is preferable to extraction.
