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All About Root Canals: Why and How They Work
When a cavity reaches a tooth's nerve, the pain can become unbearable. In this case, a root canal is an essential solution to relieve the patient while preserving the tooth. This treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, involves removing the infected nerve and cleaning the tooth to eliminate all traces of decay.
Discover in this article everything you need to know about root canals: what they are, when they are necessary, how they are performed, and why they are often followed by the placement of a crown.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is an endodontic procedure that aims to remove the dental pulp, which is the living part inside the tooth and its roots. This pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. The goal is to stop the intense pain caused by inflammation and to prevent the spread of a bacterial infection.
All teeth can undergo a root canal, except for wisdom teeth, which are usually extracted between the ages of 14 and 25. The complexity of the procedure varies depending on the tooth: incisors and canines have a single nerve canal, premolars have two, while molars can have up to four canals.
Why Perform a Root Canal?
A tooth is a living organ. Beneath the enamel and dentin lies the pulp, composed of a small artery and a nerve that extends to the roots. When a cavity penetrates the enamel and reaches the dentin, it can cause an inflammation of the nerve, known as pulpitis. If not treated in time, a root canal becomes necessary.
Besides cavities, other situations warrant this treatment:
- Trauma: a shock (fall, blow) can damage the pulp and require prompt intervention.
- Aesthetics: in rare cases, a misaligned tooth is reshaped after a root canal to harmonize the smile.
Without treatment, an infection can spread into the bloodstream or surrounding tissues, leading to serious complications like a dental abscess.
When Does a Root Canal Become Necessary?
There are no specific symptoms, but intense, throbbing pain is a clear sign of irreversible pulpitis. Once the tooth has had a root canal, this pain disappears because the nerve is removed.
What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?
The treatment lasts between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours, depending on the tooth involved. Here are the main steps:
- Local Anesthesia: the area is numbed for total comfort.
- Access to the Canals: a hole is drilled in the center of the tooth to reach the root canals.
- Nerve Removal: thin files remove the infected pulp.
- Disinfection: an antiseptic solution eliminates the remaining bacteria.
- Filling: the canals are sealed with a paste called gutta-percha to prevent any infection.
This treatment can be performed by a general dentist or an endodontist, a specialist equipped with precise tools like dental microscopes.
The procedure is painless thanks to the anesthesia, but slight discomfort may occur afterward. If it persists, consult your dentist to rule out any risk of infection (cyst, abscess).
After the Root Canal: Why Is a Crown Necessary?
A root canal-treated tooth, deprived of its blood supply, becomes brittle and at risk of fracturing. The placement of a dental crown is often recommended to strengthen it and restore its natural appearance.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure: Our Tips
To avoid a root canal:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Use dental floss to remove plaque.
- Visit your dentist every 6 to 12 months.
Conclusion
A root canal is an effective solution to save a tooth compromised by a deep cavity or trauma. Quick and painless, it provides immediate comfort. If you experience persistent pain, don't wait: a tooth treated in time is a tooth saved!
FAQ
Does a root canal hurt?
No, thanks to local anesthesia. Slight post-operative discomfort is possible, but it disappears quickly.
How much does a root canal cost?
The price varies from $700 to over $2,000 depending on the tooth and the practitioner, and it is often partially covered by dental insurance.
Can a root canal-treated tooth still get a cavity?
Yes, although it has no nerve, it remains vulnerable to cavities if hygiene is neglected.