Root Canal Treatment

What Is A Root Canal?

Root Canal is the term for a type of endodontic treatment or procedure. This type of treatment option becomes necessary when the nerve, also called the pulp, inside a tooth has become irreversibly damaged from an infection. This type of damage usually occurs from a combination of injuries throughout the tooth’s life stages, including trauma, decay, and repeated dental procedures.

The treatment will involve the removal of the pulp through the entire root-canal system. This begins with the dentist cleaning the tooth out, which shapes the root-canal system. The canal is then filled and sealed with a filling material made from polyester synthetics and a dental sealer.

Why Would You Need A Root Canal Procedure?

When the pulp in one of your teeth becomes infected, this infection will usually spread throughout the entire root-canal system inside the tooth. This will usually lead to the formation of an abscessed tooth which is an inflammation that deposits puss and results in swelling of the tissues and blood vessels that surround the tooth.

Dental symptoms associated with abscesses usually range from dull aches onto severe pain and can be considered dental emergencies. The tooth will also usually become tender when you bite down on food. If a root canal procedure is not performed, this infection will spread further, which might result in having to extract the tooth. It is extremely important to come in for an office visit to have a dental professional review your oral health and additionally review dental insurance coverage before the root canal is performed.

Is This Treatment Painful?

Thanks to the latest techniques combined with various types of local anesthesia, Root Canal Treatment is usually painless. The tooth may be sensitive for a few days following the procedure. The dentist may give you a prescription for over the counter pain medication that can relieve the sensitivity following a Root Canal.

What Does The Procedure Involve?

These procedures are focused on removing an infection from the inside of the tooth. Your dentist will clean out the root followed by filling the canal to stop and prevent further infection and tooth pain.

A root canal procedure is a time-consuming and skilled procedure which usually involves at least two dental visits.

During the initial consultation the dentist will first remove the tooth pulp that is infected and then drain the abscess. This is followed up by cleaning out the canal and preparing the affected tooth for a filling. Your dentist will then place a temporary filling. Once the pulp is removed, the tooth is then allowed to settle The final part of the treatment involves examining the area to ensure the infection is under control and then filling the canal with a permanent filling.

The final part of the procedure will involve a follow-up appointment after 2 to 3 weeks to make sure the infection has not relapsed.

Will It Be Painful Afterwards?

In general, the sensitivity and discomfort will subside within 24 to 48 hours. Painful sensitivity associated with hot or cold beverages and food will also subside. However, you might still experience discomfort on the treated tooth that is mild from pressure which usually lasts for 2 to 3 days after your treatment. An over-the-counter anti-inflammatory analgesic will usually relieve any discomfort and help with pain management.

The more common symptoms for the post-treatment pain will have to do with pre-treatment pain. Root canal treatments will eliminate the cause of the pain which allows the healing to start. Over a period of 72 to 96 hours your dentist will prescribe analgesics that allows the tooth to start healing without pain.

The more common complaints after such a procedure include tenderness to chewing on, tapping, biting or touching the top of the tooth. Your dentists will usually recommend that you try to avoid chewing on this side until the permanent restoration has replaced the temporary filling. Dentists will also recommend to avoid teeth whitening and cosmetic dentistry until the tooth is fully healed.

What To Do If It Happens Again

It is worthwhile noting that a skilled and complex root canal procedure has a high success rate. However, on the odd occasion that the infection comes back, your dentist or endodontist will repeat the procedure, where an endodontic retreatment is performed.

What Will Happen If I Skip The Treatment?

If you prefer not to have a root canal done, then it is suggested to rather extract your tooth. However, most dentists will not recommend an extraction.

Even though some individuals prefer a tooth extraction over a root canal treatment, saving your natural teeth whenever possible is the best approach. In addition, a tooth extraction can result in further complications further down the line and may lead to wrecking your teeth.

The Advantages Of Root Canal Treatment Vs Extraction

The main advantage of root canal therapies is that you will keep the tooth structure. Extractions can result in other dental issues. For example, drifting of the teeth, bite issues, TMJ discomfort, along with having to treat the adjacent teeth which may have not needed a dental treatment in order to replace the tooth that is missing. Regardless of the latest tooth replacement methods, there is no substitute for your own natural teeth.

Post Treatment Care

Your dentist will advise you to treat the tooth like any of your other teeth which include flossing and brushing your teeth twice daily with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. You should also schedule a repeated dental appointment every 3-6 months depending on your dental hygiene cleaning interval discussed with your hygienist.

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