A root canal is a procedure that’s performed to treat the pulp of your tooth. This is the soft tissue inside the center of your tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. It also houses your tooth’s juice or the dentinal fluid. When this juice becomes infected and decayed, it’s called caries. The infection can spread from these areas and cause irreversible damage. Root canal treatment for multiple teeth occurs when you have more than one damaged tooth at a time, which might be from frequent grinding habits or biting on something hard often. If left untreated, it could result in the need for the extraction of several teeth. There are three types of root canal treatments: single-root, multiple-root, and endodontic retreatment. Read on to know more about each one of them:
What is a single-root canal?
A single-root canal is performed on a tooth that has only one root. These are normally found in the premolars and molars. When the procedure is completed, all of the canals are removed, and the tooth is filled with synthetic resin. This resin acts as a plug, preventing the tooth from becoming infected, and then a crown is placed over it. A single-root canal can be performed in two ways:
Endodontics therapy: This method involves cleaning out the infected pulp from inside the tooth and then filling it with an antibiotic solution. This solution reduces the swelling and relieves some of the pain. It may be done with a root canal filling or an antibiotic root canal filling.
Microscopic surgery: The tooth is first cut into two pieces and then the infected pulp is removed. The sides are then rejoined under a microscope to ensure they are reattached properly. The tooth is then filled with a root canal filling or root canal antibiotic filling.
What is a multiple-root canal?
A multiple-root canal is performed when there are multiple teeth with one or more damaged roots. This is normally followed by the tooth being extracted and the adjacent teeth being treated with a root canal. The adjacent teeth may be saved by placing them into the empty socket with a dental implant. The person performing the treatment will decide which teeth to remove and which ones to save.
This will be based on the type of infection, the state of your overall dental health, and your age. The procedure will include cleaning out the infected pulp from inside the roots and then filling it with an antibiotic solution. This reduces the swelling and relieves some of the pain. The tooth is then filled with a root canal filling or root canal antibiotic filling. The tooth is followed up with regular visits to the dentist to check if there is any new infection.
What is endodontics root canal re-treatment?
Endodontic retreatment is the second root canal treatment done on a tooth that has already been treated. It happens when there is some form of recurrent infection such as swelling, pain, and infection of the tooth filling. It is best to seek treatment from a dentist who has special training in root canals and endodontic retreatment. This type of procedure is usually done on a tooth that has previously undergone a root canal. The dentist will clean the tooth out and treat it with an antibiotic. This will reduce the swelling and relieve some of the pain. The tooth is then filled with a root canal filling or root canal antibiotic filling.
Which type of root canal is best for you?
The decision to undergo root canal treatment should be based on your overall dental health. It should not be based on the number of teeth that have been damaged or infected. There are many myths surrounding this procedure, and many people are hesitant to have it done because of these misconceptions. The main one is that you’ll lose the tooth and will have to be fitted with an expensive dental implant. If the infection is left untreated, it could result in the need for the extraction of several teeth. Tooth extraction can cost you thousands of dollars and could have long-lasting effects on your oral health and confidence.
Three main types of root canal treatments:
- Single-root: This is used when the infected tooth has only one root.
- Multiple-root: This is used when the tooth has more than one root.
- Endodontic retreatment: This is used when the tooth has been previously treated with a root canal and is infected again.
Conclusion
A root canal is a procedure that’s performed to treat the pulp of your tooth. This is the soft tissue inside the center of your tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. It also houses your tooth’s juice or the dentinal fluid. When this juice becomes infected and decayed, it’s called caries. The infection can spread from these areas and cause irreversible damage. If left untreated, it could result in the need for the extraction of several teeth. There are three types of root canal treatments: single-root, multiple-root, and endodontic retreatment. The decision to undergo root canal treatment should be based on your overall dental health.
