Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental treatment for removing infection from inside a tooth. It can also protect the tooth from future infections.

A "root canal" is not a treatment, but part of a tooth. It is the hollow section of a tooth that contains the nerve tissue, blood vessels, and other cells, also known as the pulp.

A tooth consists of a crown and roots. The crown is mainly above the gum, while the roots are below it. The roots attach the tooth to the jawbone.

Inside the crown and the root, or the root canal, is the pulp. The pulp nourishes the tooth and provides moisture to the surrounding material. The nerves in the pulp sense hot and cold temperatures as pain.

The name of the dental procedure commonly referred to as a "root canal" is actually endodontic therapy, which means "inside the tooth."

However, the term "root canal" has come to be commonly used to talk about the procedure.

What are the steps?

Root canal therapy is done in three steps, and it takes between one and three sessions to complete.

1. Cleaning the root canal

First, the dentist removes everything that is inside the root canal.

With the patient under local anesthesia, the dentist makes a small access hole on the surface of the tooth and removes the diseased and dead pulp tissue with very small files.

2. Filling the root canal

Next, the dentist cleans, shapes and decontaminates the hollow area, using tiny files and irrigation solutions. Then, the tooth is filled with a rubber-like material, using an adhesive cement to seal the canals completely.

After root canal therapy, the tooth is dead. The patient will no longer feel any pain in that tooth because the nerve tissue has been removed, and the infection has been eliminated.

3. Adding a crown or filling

However, the tooth will be now more fragile than it was before. A tooth with no pulp must receive its nourishment from the ligament that attaches the tooth to the bone. This supply is adequate, but in time, the tooth will become more brittle, so a crown or filling offers protection.

Until the crown or filling is complete, the patient should not chew or bite on the tooth. Once there is a crown or filling is done, the person can use the tooth as before.

Treatment often takes only one appointment, but if there are curved canals, multi-canals, or large infections, this could take one or two additional appointments.

Credits- medicalnewstoday.com

WHAT IS LAUGHING GAS?

Laughing gas is actually nitrous oxide gas and is commonly denoted as N₂O. It is a colourless, virtually odourless gas and has a very faint sweet smell.

In dentistry, it can be administered along with oxygen to reduce pain and anxiety. Nitrous oxide is effective as a sedative because it relaxes the patients with the pleasurable feelings it emits. Nitrous oxide's usefulness also stems from how quickly it works and that its effects are reversible

WILL I BE UNCONCSIOUS IF NITROUS OXIDE IS USED?

No. Nitrous oxide does not cause loss of consciousness. It is a popular method of conscious sedation.

WHAT WILL I FEEL WHEN NITROUS OXIDE IS ADMINISTERED?

Your dentist will place a mask covering your nose and ask you to breathe normally. You will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions the dentist may have. Within a few short minutes you should start to feel the effects of the nitrous oxide. You may feel light-headed or a tingling in your arms and legs. Some people say their arms and legs feel heavy. Ultimately, you should feel calm and comfortable. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off soon after the mask is removed.

IS NITROUS OXIDE SAFE FOR CHILDREN?

Nitrous oxide is not only safe , it is in fact the preferred method used especially for anxious children. It allows the child to undergo the treatment in a better manner, ensures more co-operation and may also be associated with procedural amnesia, all allowing for a positive dental attitude to be inculcated in the child.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

Only a minority of patients experience any negative side effects. They can occur if the nitrous level is too high or if the amount being inhaled quickly changes. Potential side effects are as follows:

Headaches

Shivering

Excessive sweating

Nausea and/or vomiting

Fatigue

Once the nitrous oxide has been turned off, a patient needs to receive oxygen for at least five minutes to avoid a headache or vomiting. The oxygen purges any remaining gas from the lungs while aiding the patient in becoming alert and awake.

Meals are another focus point when receiving nitrous oxide. It's a good idea to eat lightly prior to your procedure and avoid a big meal afterwards

ARE THERE ANY SITUATIONS WHERE NITROUS OXIDE SHOULD NOT BE ADMINISTERED?

Yes, please inform your dentist in the following scenarios:

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease),

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency

Cobalamin deficiency

If you are receiving treatment using bleomycin sulfate

Have a history of emotional issues or drug addiction

Pregnancy

The Department of Pedodontics at ITS Dental Hospital, Greater Noida has a well setup conscious sedation facility and doctors trained specifically in the technique to treat your tiny tots in the best possible, anxiety free manner.