A root canal treatment is done to an infected tooth to preserve it. With root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, the infected insides of the tooth are cleared away. With root canal treatment, the infection won’t decay the tooth further, preventing tooth extraction.

While teeth seem solid, their interior is actually quite soft, which is why it’s called the pulp. In this area, the root canal sits and is what holds the nerves of the tooth. When the root canal gets infected, the patient may feel severe pain. As it progresses, the tooth will weaken, so it’s important to perform root canal treatment to stop the deterioration and save the tooth.

How Does Root Canal Treatment Work?

A root canal treatment consists of many stages. To keep it simple, the dentist will need to drill a small hole into the tooth enamel. Once they have access to the pulp, the dentist shall remove the whole pulp, and the nerve tissue. Regardless of how spread out the infection is, the whole pulp will be removed to avoid reinfection. Afterward, the dentist will fill the inside with a special substance to replace the missing tooth pulp. Lastly, a crown will be placed to cover the tooth and replicate the form.

How Long Does Root Canal Treatment Last?

The time it takes to perform root canal treatment depends on the patient’s sensitivity to pain, the level of infection, and the type of tooth that needs treatment. Generally, root canal treatments only last for a couple of hours. However, if the patient has more than one tooth that requires root canal treatment, that duration will inevitably increase. As such, some patients will have to return for additional appointments until the treatment is fully done.

How Does Root Canal Treatment Save the Tooth?

Technically, the infected tooth will end up dead after treatment. Because the nerve is removed, the tooth won’t be able to feel anything. Root canal treatment will not really “save” the tooth, but it will preserve it.

Even without the nerve, the tooth will remain functional for many years. With the use of antibiotics, the patient can protect the tooth and prevent reinfection. However, once the tooth gets reinfected, the next solution will be extraction.

How Is Root Canal a Better Option?

With root canal treatment, you can still use the tooth just like a replacement. Preserving the natural tooth is better because it’s cheaper, and it’s also relatively easier. While the tooth won’t feel any sensation, it will still provide support to your jaw, gums, and teeth structure. Furthermore, root canal treatment is a proven and tested solution to tooth infection.

Conclusion

Endodontic treatment is the last resort before extraction. However, it still provides more functionality than completely removing the infected tooth. Depending on your dentist’s skill level, generally, you won’t encounter any problems during and after root canal treatment.

Looking for orthodontists in Edmonton? Our dental experts can provide you with a safe and easy root canal treatment procedure. Get in touch with us today!

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