Root canal therapy is the prime time option for restoring damaged teeth. This treatment is also called endodontic treatment. In this, a damaged, injured, discolored or infected tooth or teeth are not extracted or removed. In place, they are restored.

What is the endodontic treatment?

The outermost layer of the tooth is called the enamel. The layer next to it is the dentine. Inner to this is the pulp cavity. This has the layer of nerves, cellular mass and blood vessels in it. In root canal therapy, it is this layer which is reached into, and the matter from here is taken out. After this, the cavity is cleaned up and disinfected. A material like a gutta percha is filled up into the cavity. Then this cavity is sealed off from the outside environ with cement. A dental crown or cap may be placed atop the tooth.

What is the aftercare required for endodontic treatment?

It is very important to maintain very high standards of oral hygiene after root canal treatment. It is necessary to brush teeth twice daily for at least two minutes each time. It is best to brush after every meal. If this is not possible, then it is advisable to thoroughly rinse the mouth each time after food or drink is taken. Also, regular flossing is advisable. It is also necessary to pay regular visits to the dentist.

Is root canal therapy very painful?

Many people are of the opinion that root canal therapy is very painful. However, the dentist makes the area around the tooth or teeth to be involved in the process numb. The only discomfort involved is the injections which are given for making the area numb. After this, there is no pain.

How is root canal therapy different from dental implants?

In the case of dental implants, the tooth or teeth are extracted out. Also, dental implants involve the use of a titanium screw which is surgically inserted into the jawbone. It takes about three to four months for the jawbone to grow around the titanium screw and make it firm in its place. After this, a dental cap or crown is placed on top of the screw to function as the tooth as the world sees it. Dental implants can last for the entire duration of the lifetime of a person if they care for well and proper.However, a lot of care for the implants needs to be taken. Other than maintaining good hygiene habits a patient must also pay regular visits to the dentist to get periodic adjustments made to the implants. Implants are the closest that a person can come to get the natural smile, a way of talking and manner of eating back to normal. Dentures are different from implants because they need to be taken out each night and placed in a container full of solution into which a cleansing tablet has been added.For details contact: Windy Hill Dental Associates, Call : (770) 955-1188.