How Root Canal Treatment Saves Your Natural Tooth
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to manage infections inside a tooth and help retain its natural structure whenever possible. When the pulp tissue becomes inflamed or infected, patients may experience sensitivity, discomfort, or swelling around the affected area. Addressing the condition early gives the dentist an opportunity to remove the damaged tissue and restore the tooth, allowing it to remain functional in the mouth.
Understanding Tooth Pulp and Why It Becomes Infected
Each tooth has several layers. The outer layer is enamel, followed by dentin. At the centre lies the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, patients may notice symptoms such as prolonged sensitivity to temperature, discomfort when chewing, or swelling in the surrounding gums.
Several conditions may lead to pulp involvement, including:
- Deep tooth decay
- Chips or cracks
- Trauma to the tooth
- Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
When bacterial infection reaches the pulp, the affected tooth may require root canal treatment to manage the condition and preserve its structure.
What Root Canal Treatment Aims to Do
The primary objective of root canal treatment is to remove inflamed or infected pulp tissue from within the tooth. By addressing the source of infection, the tooth can often remain functional in the mouth. Dentists may recommend the procedure when the pulp cannot recover on its own or when imaging shows tissue damage or infection inside the root canal system.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During Root Canal Treatment
1. Examination and Imaging
The dentist begins by examining the affected tooth and taking dental radiographs. These images help identify infection, assess the canals, and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
2. Local Anaesthesia
To ensure comfort, local anaesthesia is administered. This numbs the area surrounding the affected tooth during the procedure.
3. Creating Access to the Pulp Chamber
A small opening is made at the top of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber. This allows the dentist to remove inflamed or infected tissue from the canal space.
4. Cleaning and Shaping the Canals
The root canals are carefully cleaned using specialised instruments. This removes debris and shapes the canals to prepare them for filling.
5. Disinfection
The canal system is disinfected to reduce bacteria within the tooth.
6. Filling the Canals
Once cleaned and shaped, the canals are filled with a dental material designed to seal the space and reduce the risk of reinfection.
7. Final Restoration
After the root canal is completed, the tooth is restored. In many cases, this may involve placing a crown to support the tooth structure.
Aftercare and What to Expect
Following the procedure, some patients may feel mild sensitivity in the treated area. This typically subsides within a short period. If discomfort persists or worsens, patients should contact their dentist for further assessment.
Good oral hygiene and follow-up dental visits play a role in monitoring the treated tooth. Ensuring the final restoration is properly placed is also important for long-term function.
How Root Canal Treatment Helps Retain the Natural Tooth
By removing damaged pulp tissue and sealing the canals, root canal treatment allows the natural tooth to remain in place. This may help the patient maintain chewing function and preserve the alignment of surrounding teeth. Since the outer structure of the tooth remains intact, the tooth can often continue functioning after an appropriate restoration.
When Root Canal Treatment May Not Be Suitable
Root canal treatment may not be appropriate in all cases. Situations where the tooth structure is severely compromised, or where cracks extend below the gumline, may limit the ability to retain the tooth. Dentists evaluate multiple factors—including bone support, canal anatomy, and extent of damage—when determining the suitability of treatment. If root canal treatment is not recommended, other dental options may be discussed.
Finding a Dental Professional in Singapore
Patients in Singapore have access to dental services that cover various fields such as endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, and maxillofacial surgery. When seeking care, individuals may consider factors such as location, treatment availability, clinic hours, and whether the dental team provides the services needed for their specific condition. A consultation with a qualified dental professional can help determine the most appropriate course of action.
Root canal treatment is a procedure that allows many patients to retain a natural tooth that has been affected by pulp infection or inflammation. By addressing the affected tissue and restoring the tooth structure, the tooth may continue to function normally after the procedure. Patients experiencing symptoms such as prolonged sensitivity, tooth discomfort, or swelling are encouraged to seek early evaluation from a dental practitioner.
