When the soft tissue inside a tooth, known as the pulp, becomes infected or inflamed as a result of deep decay or trauma, root canal treatment is necessary.
Without this treatment, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth and into the bone, which can lead to an abscess.
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
The anatomy of a tooth includes the crown and root. The crown is visible above the gum line; the root is anchored in your jaw. Inside each tooth are nerve endings that provide sensation and blood vessels that nourish the tooth.
The nerve and blood vessels are located in the pulp chamber (the centre of the tooth) and extend into each root of the tooth.
The term “root canal” comes from the cleaning of the canals inside the tooth’s root. During this procedure, your Dentist removes the inflamed or infected pulp. They then carefully clean and shape the inside of that space, then fill and seal it.
The goal is to eliminate bacteria and prevent future infection. Then your dentist will place a crown over your tooth to protect it.
Is It Safe for Diabetic Patients?
Root canal treatment is safe for diabetic patients. However, it is important to be aware that when you have diabetes your body has trouble fighting infections.
This means that if your infection spreads after having a root canal treatment, it may take longer to heal than if you did not have diabetes.
How Does a Root Canal Treatment Help?
Root canal treatment removes unhealthy nerve tissue from inside your tooth. The nerve is not vitally important to a tooth’s health and function after the tooth has emerged through the gums.
Once it has been removed, the remaining space is cleaned and sealed off to protect it. After this, your dentist will place a crown or filling in the tooth to restore it to its full function. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.
What Can I Expect During the Root Canal Procedure?
Root canal treatment is a highly effective procedure that can save your teeth from extraction. Although the procedure has been given an unfair reputation, it’s no more uncomfortable than having a cavity filled.
Here are the steps to expect during this procedure:
1. The dentist will numb the area around the tooth and place a sheet of latex or plastic over the area to keep it dry. The first step of the root canal procedure is to make a small opening in your tooth by drilling through the hard outer enamel and into the pulp chamber.
2. Your dentist will clean out the infected or damaged pulp and reshape the canals inside your tooth so they can be filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.
3. Your dentist may use one of several types of filling materials to seal off your tooth and prevent bacteria from getting back inside it. In some cases, especially in molars, a dental crown may be recommended to restore strength to your tooth and protect it from breaking after root canal treatment.