What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment aims to treat a severely infected or damaged tooth. It involves the removal of the infected pulp from the tooth’s interior. This is followed by disinfecting and cleaning the affected area, and then sealing it to prevent reinfection.

Common root canal treatments

Conventional root canal treatment :

This is one of the standard forms of root canal treatment where the infected pulp gets removed, and the canals get shaped and cleaned, and filled with gutta-percha.

Apicoectomy :

In this root canal procedure, the tip of the tooth’s root gets surgically removed with the infected tissue. The dentist then seals the remaining root for preventing infection.

Endodontic Retreatment :

During the procedure, the dentist will remove the existing filling, clean, and refill them.

Regenerative Endodontics :

The procedure disinfects the tooth, introducing stem cells in the canals and other growth factors, promoting root development and regeneration of the dental pulp.

Pulpotomy :

This procedure is done for baby teeth when the pulp becomes injured or infected. It removes the infected pulp and the healthy part remains intact to allow the tooth’s continuous development.

Signs that indicate the need for a root canal treatment

⦿ Persistent toothache is a sign of pulp infection and inflammation. ⦿ A small bump on gums, swelling, tenderness near the affected tooth can indicate a pulp infection. ⦿ Sensitivity to cold and hot foods and drinks that remains after the stimulus gets removed might be an indication of pulp infection or damage. ⦿ A visible crack in the tooth can expose the tooth pulp to bacteria, resulting in inflammation and infection. ⦿ A pus-filled pocket or abscess might develop along the gumline or the tooth’s root.