Root Canal Treatment
The words "root canal" conjure up feelings of dread for most people, as this is a dental procedure with a reputation for significant pain. But the 21st century has changed many perceptions surrounding this technique, and root canal therapy has a 95% success rate.
Root Canal Symptoms
Unlike a cavity, which is a problem on the surface of your teeth, a pulp or root infection occurs inside the tooth. It attacks the soft tissue under the hard enamel. Because of this, simply brushing your teeth or putting on a filling will not stop this problem — the infection needs to be accessed and treated with antibiotics, or the infected root or pulp needs to be removed. Root canal therapy means cutting into the tooth to gain access to the infected interior to do so.
Don't Ignore the Signs
Infected roots and pulp can be extremely painful and damaging if left untreated. A root canal can put a stop to the suffering.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Persistent Pain
If you have constant throbbing pain in your mouth, even when you aren't doing anything like eating, then this probably means that it's not a problem with the tooth surface itself, but something inside.
Increased Pain When Chewing
If a root or pulp is infected, putting additional pressure on it through chewing will also cause discomfort. Depending on the spread of the infection, this pain may limit itself to one tooth, or feel like a whole area of the mouth is in discomfort.
Temperature Sensitivity
If you experience pain when drinking something hot or cold, and that pain persists long after the drink has been consumed, this is another strong sign that there is an inner infection.
Tooth Discoloration
If you inspect your teeth and notice that the tooth experiencing discomfort is also changing color, this means that the infection is likely inside the tooth and spreading outward to the surface.
Gum Problems
Swollen gums near the problem tooth are another sign. You may also experience extreme sensitivity in this area, resulting in pain and discomfort. If the infection is starting to affect the gums, you may even notice a pimple or similar growth appearing on your gums.
When Would a Root Canal Be Required?
Deep Tooth Decay
If tooth decay reaches a tooth's pulp, it can cause infection and inflammation. Root canal treatment is often necessary to remove the infected pulp and save the tooth.
Dental Trauma
Teeth injured or fractured due to trauma may require a root canal if the pulp is damaged. Trauma can also expose the pulp to bacteria, leading to infection and the need for treatment.
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth occurs when the infection spreads from the pulp to the surrounding tissues and forms a pocket of pus. Root canal therapy is performed to remove the infection and prevent further complications.
The Procedure for Root Canals
A root canal repairs and saves a tooth that is badly decayed, infected, or damaged due to trauma. The process involves removing the affected pulp of the tooth and replacing it with filling material. After treatment, the tooth must be protected with a dental crown to prevent future damage.
Numbing
The tooth and surrounding area are numbed using a local anesthetic to ensure a pain-free procedure.
Access
A small access hole is drilled into the tooth to reach the pulp chamber and root canals.
Pulp Removal
The infected or damaged pulp is carefully removed using specialized tools.
Cleaning & Shaping
The root canals are cleaned, shaped, and irrigated to remove any remaining infected tissue and bacteria, preventing further infection and promoting healing.
Filling
The cleaned root canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, which seals the canals and prevents recontamination. The access hole is then sealed with a temporary or permanent filling.
Restoration
The tooth is usually weakened after the procedure and may require a dental crown or filling to restore its strength, function, and appearance. The crown or filling is custom-made and placed on the treated tooth.
What to Expect After Treatment
If you are about to undergo root canal therapy, you're on the way to a comprehensive and very well-practiced dental technique. RCT has a 95% success rate. Once the procedure is done, you've given your mouth and your teeth the best possible chance for a healthier, more comfortable experience.
The Procedure
The actual root canal therapy procedure itself uses an anesthetic for the patient, so there is no pain during the process. Where RCT usually gets its reputation is in the discomfort that occurs after. Because the tooth has been cut, and roots, pulp, and nerve may have been exposed, it's normal to experience pain and discomfort. The tooth is in a vulnerable state and may be treated with antibiotics to help keep the cleared infection from returning.
After a Root Canal
You can expect your tooth to be sensitive for a few days after the RCT is complete. In most cases, you will have to treat the tooth very gently. Avoid chewing in the affected area, especially if it is still exposed and will be filled at a later appointment. Usually, a permanent filling or crown will be set once it has been confirmed that the infection has healed, and it is safe to move on to providing the tooth with proper protection.
Managing Discomfort
In most cases, you may be prescribed a painkiller to help with the discomfort for the first few days. Follow the directions on the prescription carefully, and if the discomfort persists, see your dentist, or visit a doctor if the pain is severe.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Pain Relief
Root canals are often performed to alleviate tooth pain caused by an infection or inflammation of the dental pulp. The procedure removes the source of pain and promotes healing.
Tooth Preservation
The patient can maintain proper chewing ability, speech, and overall oral function by saving the natural tooth through a root canal. It also helps preserve the natural appearance of the smile.
Infection Control
Root canal treatment removes the infected or damaged pulp and eliminates bacteria from the tooth's root canals. This prevents the spread of infection to other teeth or surrounding tissues.
Experiencing Symptoms?
Getting root canal therapy is an intensive process, but ultimately the discomfort will be worth it. Contact our team at Mega Dental today to get an examination.