The term “root canal” often carries a reputation for being a painful and feared dental treatment. However, thanks to advanced technology and modern anesthetics, this procedure is now no more uncomfortable than getting a routine filling. More importantly, root canal treatment (endodontics) is a crucial, tooth-saving procedure that should be celebrated, not feared.
What is a Root Canal and Why is it Necessary?
A root canal is needed when the dental pulp—the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth’s root canal—becomes infected or inflamed. This can happen due to deep decay, a cracked tooth, or trauma. If left untreated, the infection will spread, causing severe pain, swelling, and eventually, the loss of the tooth.
The procedure involves:
1. Access: Creating a small opening in the crown of the tooth.
2. Cleaning: Carefully removing the infected pulp, nerves, and bacteria from the root canals.
3. Disinfection: Irrigating the canals to ensure complete sterilization.
4. Filling and Sealing: Filling the clean canals with a biocompatible material (gutta-percha) and sealing the opening.
5. Restoration: Placing a crown on the treated tooth to protect it from fracture.
The True Benefit: Pain Relief and Tooth Preservation
The goal of endodontic treatment is to save your natural tooth from extraction. Saving the tooth prevents the complications of a missing tooth (like shifting adjacent teeth or bone loss) and is always the preferred option for optimal oral health.
At our Nairobi practice, we prioritize your comfort. Our experienced team uses precision equipment to ensure the procedure is thorough and completed with maximum pain relief. We combine expertise with compassionate care to make the root canal experience a positive, tooth-saving one for patients across Kenya.
