Has your dentist or tooth root doctor told you that you need a root canal? Many folks worry about this treatment. But really, it’s not as scary as it seems!
Root canal treatment is alternatively known as
- root canal therapy or
- endodontic therapy
It involves eliminating an infection located inside a tooth. Each year, the root canal treatment saves and treats over 15 million teeth.
This blog provides a detailed explanation of root canal treatment. We’ll explain how
- it can help alleviate your toothache and
- preserve your smile.
What is root canal treatment?
The Greek term
- “Endo” means “within” and”
- odont” means “tooth.”
Endodontic treatment deals with the inside of your tooth. It is called the pulp. A root canal treatment is just one type of endodontic procedure. Think of the pulp as the tooth’s soft center.
It is nestled beneath the outer layers of
- enamel and
- dentin
The pulp consists of
- blood vessels,
- nerves, and
- connective tissue.
The pulp runs from
- the top of the tooth to
- the bottom of the roots
It links with the tissues surrounding the root. A root canal is when the dentist goes in and cleans out all the gunk in your tooth to get rid of any infections.
What is the process?
Root canal treatment consists of three stages. It typically requires one to three appointments to finish.
Performing a root canal cleaning.
- At first, your dentist takes out all the infected stuff from the root canal.
- They make sure the area is numb with some local anesthesia.
- Then they start by making a small hole in the tooth.
Packing material into the root canal.
Afterwards, the dentist cleans, shapes, and sterilizes the empty space. They use flushing solutions in this step.
Next, the dentist will
- fill the tooth with a substance similar to rubber and
- seal the canals with adhesive cement.
To ensure the best outcomes, consult a reputed dentist in Northern Beaches.
Following root canal treatment, the tooth becomes dead. You won’t feel any pain in that tooth. This is because your dentist
- removes the nerve tissue and
- eliminates the infection
Placing a crown or filling
Now that the tooth is without pulp, it will be less sturdy than previously. It will depend on the ligament linking it to the bone for sustenance.
Therefore, a crown or filling provides protection.
Don’t chew or bite on that tooth until the crown or filling is done. After that, you can go back to using it like normal.
One appointment is typically sufficient for root canal treatment. However, you may require one or two more appointments if you’ve
- curved canals,
- multi-canals, or
- large infections.
How can you tell if you need a root canal?
Basically, you’ll need one if the pulp inside your tooth gets inflamed or infected. This can happen for a bunch of different reasons.
These include:
- severe decay,
- multiple dental treatments on the tooth or
- a crack or chip in the tooth.
Plus, even if a tooth looks fine on the outside, it can still get messed up if it gets injured. Ignoring any problems with the pulp inside can lead to some serious issues. These include:
- discomfort or
- formation of an abscess.
What are the signs that indicate I may require a root canal procedure?
Should you have a tooth infection, your dentist Northern Beaches might recommend a root canal procedure to address the issue. It is possible to have a tooth infection without any signs or symptoms. However, if you choose to do so, it might involve:
- Persistent tooth pain. An intense toothache can extend to your gums or nearby teeth. This may suggest the presence of an infection.
- Feeling pain when chewing or touching a tooth. This may signal that the nerves around the gums are being impacted.
- Seeing sores or abscesses on your teeth may indicate an infection. An inflamed gum indicates a buildup of plaque due to dental issues.
- Discoloration of the tooth may result from a tooth infection that hinders blood circulation.
- Extensive dental work can weaken the bones holding the teeth, leading to weakened teeth.
Don’t overlook these signs – get prompt care from a dentist to avoid more serious issues.
What happens after a root canal?
Following your root canal treatment, your dentist may suggest taking a brief break to unwind before exiting the clinic.
The effects of the anesthesia might wear off in approximately an hour. This allows your mouth and gums to regain feeling. Some individuals
- prefer to rest at home during this time,
- while others opt to resume their daily activities.
In the upcoming appointments, your provider will
- prepare your tooth for placing dental crown and
- then affix the crown.
What is the expense of root canal treatment?
The expenses associated with root canal treatment can vary. However, restoring your natural tooth with a root canal is often a cost-effective option.
On the other hand, extraction, followed by the placement of an implant or bridge, can be more expensive. Extraction may also result in misaligned teeth and difficulty with chewing.
Is it possible to experience pain during or after the root canal procedure?
Endodontic treatments help relieve the pain. This include pain caused by:
- pulp inflammation or
- infection
Using modern methods and pain relief, the majority of patients say they feel at ease throughout the procedure.
Your tooth may be sensitive in the initial days post-treatment, particularly if there was prior pain or infection. This pain can be alleviated with either
- over-the-counter or
- prescription drugs.
Adhere closely to the guidelines provided by your endodontist.
After your root canal, your tooth might feel a bit off from the rest. But, if you have bad pain that doesn’t go away after a few days, tell your endodontist right away.
Get a Root Canal Now!
Think you need a root canal? Don’t wait! Call your dentist now to set up a visit. Not getting a root canal soon can make things worse.
Delaying root canal treatment can worsen the situation. You may experience even greater pain. Additionally, delaying increases the cost of the treatment. So, get your oral examination done today!