Dental infection is the primary cause of tooth decay worldwide. Excessive consumption of sugary treats and drinking beverages can lead to the proliferation of bacteria in the tooth pulp. If not treated at the right time, an oral infection can cause tooth decay and cause irreversible damage. 

In such cases, root canal treatment is the optimal approach to remove the infected portion and save the tooth by resealing it, preventing further damage. Unfortunately, the treatment was thought to be painful. But with advancements in techniques at Hollywood root canals, root canal treatment has transformed into a painless experience.

An overview of root canal treatment

A root canal is a dental procedure to eradicate infected pulp beneath the tooth. After removal, the affected area is filled with a sealant to prevent damage. The treatment effectively eliminates bacteria and reduces the risk of re-infection. 

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Signs you need root canal treatment

Some of the persistent symptoms you need root canal treatment include:

• Constant tooth pain. 
• Discomfort in jaw movement and teeth
• Sensitivity to hot and cold drinks
• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Pimples beneath the tooth or pulp
• Swollen jaw with pus or pulp
• Tooth discoloration
• Consistent bleeding gum 
• Pus discharge from gums 
• Crooked tooth

How long does a root canal treatment take?

Root canal treatment may be completed in one or two appointments. Root canal treatment can be done in 60 minutes if the infection is mild. However, it may take more than an hour to complete if you have undergone a root canal on a larger tooth.

What happens during root canal treatment?

Before performing a root canal treatment, the dentist takes a dental X-ray to determine how much damage occurs within the affected tooth. Based on the X-ray report, they proceed with treatment.

• Local anesthesia will be administered to the patient to numb the infected tooth. Oral sedatives, nitrous oxide, and intravenous sedation are some medications used for numbing.
• A rubber dam is inserted to isolate the tooth from the others.
• A hole is made with the help of a drilling tool inside the tooth’s crown.
• The same drilling tool is used to remove infected pulp. 
• The pulp chamber is cleaned and disinfected.
• The canal is filled with a biochemical sealant known as gutta-percha.
• A temporary dental filling is used to seal the tooth. 
• Finally, a dental crown is placed for the final restoration. The crowns are custom designed, and the final placement takes two to three weeks.
• The dental crown helps prevent further damage. 

Benefits of root canal treatment

Here are some of the significances of root canal treatment.

• Reduces the risk of tooth extraction
• Restores the natural tooth
• Prevents the spreading of infection
• Ease infection symptoms causing pain

Follow-up after root canal treatment

Some preventive measures should be taken after root canal treatment, such as:

• Avoid chewing hard candies and sticky food.
• Brushing and flossing regularly
• Visiting dentist for professional cleaning once in 6 months