Ever wondered about root canals? Over 15 million are done in the US yearly. This common dental fix removes infection from a tooth’s soft center, saving the tooth. It usually takes 90 minutes and is mostly painless, with a success rate over 95%.
Knowing the steps of root canal therapy is key. It’s a treatment for tooth pulp infections. Knowing what happens during and after is important. The aim is to keep as much of the tooth as possible, thanks to modern techniques.
Key Takeaways
- More than 15 million root canals are performed in the US each year, making it one of the most commonly performed dental surgeries.
- A root canal procedure typically takes about 90 minutes and is relatively painless.
- The root canal therapy steps involve removing infection from the soft center of a tooth and saving the rest of the tooth.
- Patients may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity in the treated area for a few days post-treatment.
- A successfully performed root canal can allow a treated tooth to be maintained for a lifetime.
- Root canal procedures have a low risk of complications with appropriate treatment planning.
- Understanding what is actually done in a root canal is essential to appreciate the importance of this treatment in saving natural teeth.
Understanding Root Canal Therapy and Its Purpose
Root canal treatment helps save a tooth that’s damaged or infected. It stops severe tooth pain from decay or injury. About 15 million root canals are done yearly in the U.S., with a success rate of 85-97%.
Dentists explain that root canal treatment removes the infected pulp. They clean and shape the root canal, then fill it to stop infection. This is needed when the tooth pulp gets infected or damaged, often from cavities, cracked teeth, or trauma.
When Root Canal Treatment Becomes Necessary
Root canal treatment is needed when the tooth pulp gets infected or damaged. This can be due to trauma, deep cavities, or cracked teeth. The American Dental Association warns that untreated dental infections can lead to serious health risks, affecting up to 24% of patients.
The Anatomy of Tooth Pulp and Infection
The tooth pulp’s anatomy is complex, with nerves, blood vessels, and cells. When it gets infected, it can cause severe pain and swelling. About 60% of people with pulpal infections report severe pain or swelling.
Benefits of Saving Natural Teeth Through Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment has many benefits, like saving the natural tooth structure. It avoids the need for more dental work. Keeping a natural tooth helps keep teeth and jawbone aligned properly. About 80% of root canal-treated teeth can last a lifetime with good care.
What is Actually Done in a Root Canal Step by Step
The endodontic treatment process has several steps to clean and restore an infected tooth. The first step is removing the infected or damaged pulp tissue. This is done under local anesthesia to reduce pain.
The root canal procedure includes cleaning, filling, and adding a crown or filling. A dental dam is used to keep the tooth clean and prevent saliva contamination. About 90% of patients find significant pain relief after a root canal.
Here are the main steps in a root canal procedure:
- Cleaning the root canal: removing the infected or damaged pulp tissue
- Filling the root canal: filling the empty space with a special material to prevent further infection
- Adding a crown or filling: protecting the tooth and restoring its function
The whole process usually takes less than 1 hour. But, more complex cases might need more time. Antibiotics are given to fight any remaining infection. A temporary crown may be placed right after the procedure.
Conclusion
After a root canal, the treated tooth is more fragile than a healthy one. It usually needs a crown or filling for protection. With good oral hygiene and dental checkups, it can last many years.
The American Dental Association says following care instructions is key. This helps keep the tooth healthy for a long time.
Root canal treatments work well, with 86-98% of teeth staying functional for 10 years. Many patients feel less pain soon after. It also saves money, avoiding up to $5,000 in future dental costs.