Root canal treatment is the solution to restore your tooth's health and strength. This procedure ensures minimal discomfort while effectively addressing any bacterial infection. Let's delve into the details! 

What Is Root Canal Treatment? 

Root canal treatment is a procedure aimed at removing the pulp—the canal inside the tooth root consisting of soft tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. 

The pulp serves as one of the sensory organs in the mouth, enabling you to sense the temperature of the food being chewed, whether it's hot or cold. 

By undergoing this treatment, your dentist can treat infected teeth without the need for extraction. 

In the medical world, this procedure is termed endodontic treatment and can be performed by either a general dentist or dental specialist (endodontist).

When Should Root Canal Treatment Be Done?

Dentists often suggest endodontic treatment to save decayed teeth infected with bacteria, leading to painful abscesses in the root area. Antibiotics alone often prove insufficient in addressing such conditions. 

Dentists prefer to keep natural teeth because extracting a tooth means having to get an implant, which can be more uncomfortable, especially during eating. 

Additionally, root canal treatment may also be recommended if your tooth exhibits the following conditions:

• Fractured tooth.
• Damaged enamel.
• Tooth injury.
• Cracked dental fillings.
• Gum diseases such as swelling or decay.
• Darkening tooth color.
• Unbearable pain while biting or chewing.
• Repeated dental treatments posing a risk of injuring tooth pulp.
• Toothache unrelieved by painkillers.
• Lingering tooth sensitivity even no longer in contact with hot or cold foods.

Pre-Treatment Examination

Before undergoing root canal treatment, allocate time for at least two appointments with your dentist. 

During the initial visit, the dentist typically takes X-rays of the problematic tooth. They may also conduct a series of pulp assessment tests, including:

• Testing tooth sensitivity by tapping gently or applying cold and hot objects to the tooth surface.
• Performing an Electric Pulp Test (EPT) to measure the pulp's response to electric signals.
• Examining signs of gum and bone swelling around the tooth area.
• Asking you to bite down on your tooth, then assessing the severity of any resulting pain.

Root Canal Treatment Procedure

If your dentist determines that you require endodontic treatment, generally, during the first appointment, you will undergo the following steps:

1. The dentist will administer a local anesthetic injection around the tooth.
2. In addition to local anesthesia, the dentist may also provide a sedative to help you relax during the procedure.
3. Next, a dental dam (a thin and elastic rubber sheet) will be placed over the infected tooth to keep it dry during the procedure.
4. Subsequently, the dentist will drill a small hole in your tooth to facilitate easy access to the pulp.
5. Once the hole is made, the dentist will use small, specially designed instruments to remove the soft tissue, blood vessels, and nerves from inside the tooth root canal.
6. Afterward, the root canal will be cleaned and sterilized.
7. The cleaned root canal will then be filled with gutta-percha. 
8. Once completed, the dentist will seal the tooth hole with a temporary dental filling to prevent bacteria from entering the tooth.

After the dental filling is placed, you are usually allowed to go home. If a sedative was administered before the procedure, you should not drive yourself home as it may cause drowsiness and weakness. Arrange for someone to accompany you.

Usually, the dentist will ask you to return for a follow-up appointment approximately 2-3 weeks later. 

During this second appointment, the dentist will place a dental crown, restoring the tooth's appearance and functionality for biting and chewing as usual.

Post-Treatment Care

In most cases, your tooth area will remain numb for 2-4 hours after the procedure. It's advised not to use the tooth for chewing until the numbness completely subsides. 

Meanwhile, complete healing after root canal treatment typically takes about 1 week. If your tooth still feels painful or uncomfortable after 1 week, don't hesitate to contact your dentist.

To maintain your tooth's condition during the healing period, you can do the following:

• Consume soft-textured foods.
• Avoid chewing with teeth that haven't been fitted with a dental crown.
• Temporarily quit smoking, as smoking can hinder the healing process.
• Brush and floss your teeth after each meal.
• Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash to prevent bacterial infections.
• Avoid consuming high-sugar foods.

Complication Risks

The success rate of root canal treatment is reported to be quite high, with 90% of teeth remaining in good condition up to 10 years later. 

Complications are only possible if the dentist makes diagnostic or procedural errors. Therefore, there's no need to overly worry about complication risks.

For the best root canal treatment, you can visit The Sanur, a Health Special Economic Zone offering international-standard dental care through Bluecross Medika Internasional.

This dental health center is equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and a team of professional dentists from around the world, committed to providing comprehensive examination and treatment processes.

To schedule a consultation, you can contact the Bluecross Medika Internasional call center now.