What is Root Canal?

A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.

How many visits are required for a treatment?

Root canal treatment can be completed in a single visit, in fact within an hour; but in cases where the infection is severe, two to three visits are required. The root canal filling can be completed only after the infection subsides.

What precautions one should take after the treatment?

Some tenderness or sensitivity may be present for a few days during the healing after a root canal filling. Chewing on the root canal treated tooth should be avoided until the tenderness subsides. This may take three to seven days. Chewing should begin on the root canal treated tooth only after it has been strengthened and restored by a crown.

How to prevent root canal?

The necessity of a root canal procedure can be easily avoided by preventing cavities, early detection of cavities, sealants and fillings. In case the tooth is already affected, then a root canal treatment must be carried out without any delay. Also brushing and flossing the teeth should be done carefully.

What are the symptoms?

Frequent pain or signs of infection and/or swelling that first signal to a person that their tooth has a problem. Sometimes your teeth might not give you the symptoms that there’s a problem within the nerve system. These are usually identified by your dentist during the visits.