Root canal therapy becomes necessary when the nerve of a tooth becomes affected by decay or infection. To salvage the tooth, the pulp, nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed, and the space left behind is filled with specialized dental materials, restoring the tooth's functionality.

Opting for a root canal treatment is the preferred choice to rescue a tooth that would otherwise face extraction. While some may consider tooth removal as a solution, it's important to recognize that extracting a tooth can lead to increased costs and significant issues for neighboring teeth.

Root canal treatment boasts high success rates and can often endure a lifetime, though occasional retreatment may be required due to new infections.

Signs and Symptoms Indicating Potential Root Canal Therapy:

• Abscess or pimple formation on the gums.

• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.

• Intense toothache.

• Swelling and/or tenderness.

• Sometimes, no symptoms are evident.

Reasons for Root Canal Therapy:

• Decay penetrates the tooth pulp.

• Infection or abscess forms inside the tooth or at the root tip.

• Trauma or injury to the tooth.

Root Canal Therapy Procedure: A root canal procedure typically involves one or more appointments and can be conducted by a dentist or an endodontist, a root canal specialist.

Under anesthesia, a rubber dam is placed around the tooth to maintain dryness and prevent saliva entry. An access opening is made atop the tooth, and root canal files are inserted one by one to eliminate the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If decay is present, it's removed with specialized instruments.

Once thoroughly cleaned, the tooth is sealed with a permanent filling or, if necessary, a temporary filling is applied until subsequent appointments.

At the subsequent appointment, usually a week later, the tooth's roots and internal cavity are filled and sealed with specialized dental materials. A filling is placed to cover the opening, and all treated teeth receive a crown (cap) to fortify and protect against breakage, restoring full function.

Post-treatment, some sensitivity may persist but diminishes as inflammation subsides and the tooth heals.

Care instructions will be provided after each appointment, emphasizing good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits to prolong the efficacy of root canal treatment.