A severely damaged tooth can be painful and infected. To combat this, root canal treatment is often used. So, what does this treatment involve? When does it become necessary? What steps should be taken to carry out such a treatment? Find out the answers to these questions and other important information on the subject in this article.

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

The traitement du canal radiculaire constitue une technique dentaire moderne qui permet de préserver et de réparer les dents endommagées ou infectées. Grâce à ce procédé, on n'a plus besoin d’enlever les dents abîmées et malades. Concrètement, ce traitement consiste à éliminer les tissus enflammés ou infectés de la couronne et de la racine de la dent affectée, à nettoyer et à façonner les canaux. Une fois ces opérations réalisées, ces derniers sont remplis avec des produits d’obturation dentaire.

These products help to protect this part of the tooth from infection and contamination. It should be noted that untreated damaged or infected teeth can weaken a person's immune system. Therefore, it is important not to let things get worse before having this treatment.

When Should Root Canal Treatment Be Used?

There are many situations of tooth damage that lead to root canal treatment. Here are some situations that indicate that you need root canal treatment:

• You have constant pain that requires regular use of painkillers;
• Your teeth are swollen, which may or may not cause pain and fever;
• You feel pain when you eat hot food or drink;
• You have broken, chipped or cracked teeth.

So don't delay visiting your dentist if you have any of these symptoms of a damaged or infected tooth. Dentists or specialised clinics use rigorous scientific methods and state-of-the-art technology (digital X-rays, lasers, mechanical instruments) to perform root canal treatment.

Root Canal Treatment: Is It a Painful Procedure?

In general, root canal treatment is not painful. Thanks to the development of dental techniques, this procedure now causes little or no discomfort to the person undergoing it. However, the tooth may be slightly sore after the treatment. In this case, you should avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and take the painkillers prescribed by the specialist. It is also advisable to eat soft foods after the operation so that you do not experience any persistent sensitivity.

Please note that the slight pain that may be experienced after root canal treatment is largely compensated for by the fact that a natural tooth remains. In addition, this procedure saves money compared to conventional dental techniques that require the removal of the damaged or infected tooth.

What Are the Steps Involved in Root Canal Treatment?

If you need root canal treatment, your dentist will usually take the following steps

• Examine and x-ray the tooth to see if you really need the treatment;
• Numb the tooth so that you do not feel any pain from the procedure;
• Protect the rest of the mouth during the operation with a protective covering;
• Make an opening in the affected tooth to access the root canal;
• Remove damaged tissue and clean the tooth;
• Protect the tooth with a temporary filling while it heals;
• Install a crown to seal the tooth after the temporary filling has been removed.

Although this procedure may seem daunting, root canal therapy provides tremendous relief to people who are experiencing pain from their damaged or infected tooth. On the other hand, you should know that this procedure usually takes an hour and a half. However, depending on your specific case, it may take more or less time.