When the tooth becomes significantly damaged due to deep decay or nerve inflammation, root canal treatment is often the last option to preserve the tooth instead of extraction. Root canal therapy, including nerve filling, is typically part of the dental treatment for teeth damaged by deep cavities or nerve inflammation. The following are the main steps of this treatment:
1. Assessment of the Condition
– The dentist evaluates the affected tooth’s condition using X-rays to determine the extent of root and nerve damage.
2. Tooth Anesthesia
– The patient is administered anesthesia to ensure they do not feel any pain during the treatment.
3. Decay Removal
– The dentist removes the decay and damaged tissues from the tooth.
4. Tooth Opening
– An opening is created in the tooth to access the root and nerve.
5. Root Cleaning
– The root is cleaned of damaged tissues and the nerve, using specialized tools.
6. Root Shaping
– The dentist may shape the tooth’s root to facilitate the root filling process.
7. Root Filling
– The root is filled with special materials to prevent leakage and future inflammation. A rubbery material called gutta-percha is often used for this purpose.
8. Closing the Opening
– The opening created in the tooth is closed using a dental filling.
9. Tooth Restoration
– In some cases, a crown or another restoration may be placed to rebuild the treated tooth.
10. Treatment Follow-Up
– The tooth’s condition is regularly monitored to ensure the success of the treatment and to detect any potential complications.
Patients should follow their dentist’s instructions after the treatment and avoid factors that may lead to future tooth damage, such as maintaining good oral hygiene, refraining from smoking, and reducing the consumption of sugary foods.
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