Table of Contents
Introduction
When we talk about dental procedures, there often needs to be more clarity about what treatment lies under which category. So if you have ever experienced tooth pain, sensitivity, or infection, your dentist may have advised you to have root canal treatment. But what is a root canal and is root canal considered oral surgery? In this article, I will answer all these questions and clear out all your confusion. So let’s dive into the definitions of root canal and oral surgery, and find out how these two intersect with each other.
What Is A Root Canal?
A root canal is an endodontic treatment that aims to save the damaged tooth. This procedure involves the cleaning and filling of the inner part of the tooth which is called the root canal as the name suggests. The root canal is comprised of pulp which is a soft tissue that provides blood and nerve supply to the tooth.
Severe pain and sensitivity can occur if the pulp gets inflamed or infected due to cavities, trauma, or cracks. The infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and cause abscess, swelling, and bone loss if not treated on time. A root canal treatment removes only the infected pulp and preserves the natural tooth. This way, the tooth can be restored to its normal function and appearance.
Understanding Oral Surgery
Oral surgery comprises a range of surgical procedures involving the mouth and jaw. Common examples are tooth extractions, dental implant placement, corrective jaw surgery, and treatment for oral diseases. Oral surgeons, also known as oral and maxillofacial surgeons, undergo extensive training to perform these surgical procedures.
Is Root Canal Considered Oral Surgery?
A root canal is considered oral surgery because it involves cutting into the tooth and removing tissue. But, not all root canal treatments require surgery. There are two main types of root canal procedures: non-surgical and surgical.
Non-Surgical Procedure:
Non-surgical root canal procedure is the most common type of root canal treatment. It can be performed by a general dentist or an endodontist, who is a specialist in root canal treatments. Non-surgical root canal procedure involves cavity preparation in the crown of the tooth, accessing the pulp chamber, and removing the infected pulp. Then, the root canal is cleaned, shaped, and filled with a material called gutta-percha. Finally, the cavity is filled with a temporary or permanent filling or a crown.
Surgical Procedure:
Surgical root canal procedure is a more complex and invasive type of root canal treatment. It is usually performed by an endodontist or an oral surgeon. Surgical root canal therapy is needed when non-surgical root canal therapy fails or is not possible. For example, if the tooth has a curved or calcified root canal, a fracture, or a persistent infection. Surgical root canal therapy involves making an incision in the gum, exposing the root of the tooth, and removing the infected tissue. Then, the root end is cut off and filled with a biocompatible material. Finally, the incision is stitched up and allowed to heal.
Benefits of a Root Canal
Root canal is a very beneficial procedure if u want to save your natural tooth. Some of the benefits of root canal are :
- It relieves pain and discomfort caused by the infection.
- It eliminates the harmful microbes and prevents further damage to the tooth and the surrounding tissues.
- It preserves the natural tooth structure and function.
- It improves the appearance and aesthetics of the tooth.
- It reduces the need for more extensive and costly dental treatments in the future.
Risks of a Root Canal
Root canal has a high success rate but like any other medical procedure it has some risks which are as follows:
- There is a small chance that the infection may persist or recur after the root canal treatment. Infection can be treated with antibiotics, or in some cases, a repeat or a surgical root canal treatment may be needed.
- There may be some bleeding during or after the root canal treatment. However, if the bleeding is excessive or prolonged, it may indicate a problem with the blood clotting or the healing process.
- There may be some pain or discomfort during or after the root canal treatment. If the pain is severe or persistent, it may indicate a complication or a failure of the root canal treatment.
FAQS (Frequently Asked Question):
Q1: Is Root Canal Painful?
A: The root canal procedure itself is not painful, as it is performed under local anesthesia to ensure that you are comfortable throughout. Patients may experience some mild discomfort or soreness in the days following the procedure, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
Q2: What is root canal recovery time?
A: The recovery time after a root canal can vary depending on individual factors and the complexity of the case. In general, most patients can resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure. However, it is common to experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort for a few days.
Q3: How to avoid root canal?
A: Preventing the need for a root canal involves maintaining good oral hygiene practices. Some tips to help avoid the need for a root canal are regular dental check-ups, brushing and flossing, addressing cavities promptly and limiting sugary foods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, root canal is considered oral surgery that can help save natural tooth and its functions. It involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning and filling the root canal, and then sealing the tooth with a filling or a crown. A root canal is a safe and effective dental procedure that has many benefits and very few risks.
