So many people grow up fearing dentists; for them, a root canal treatment is like a nightmare. Root canal treatments have a terrible reputation – maybe unfairly so – since they treat teeth that are severely damaged or diseased.
Does your tooth badly hurt?
Have your dentist recommended root canal treatment?
You need not worry about it. This article will solve all of your doubts regarding root canal treatment. So, keep reading!
Table of Contents
What is a root canal treatment?
The term “root canal” refers to a component of the tooth rather than a therapy. It is the inner region of your tooth, which contains blood vessels and nerve tissues, and is its lifeline. When this region becomes infected, your dentist is more likely to offer root canal therapy.
When a tooth’s pulp becomes infected or decays, it becomes uncomfortable and irritating. While deterioration from infection is the most common cause, it can also occur as a consequence of direct trauma to the face.
So, dental intervention is required when the pulp and nerve of a tooth are compromised. A root canal is a standard operation for cleaning and sealing a tooth.
Symptoms suggesting you need root canal treatment
● Chronic tooth pain
A variety of dental issues can cause tooth discomfort.
You may require root canal therapy if you are experiencing discomfort deep within your tooth. Moreover, the pain can spread to your jaw, cheeks, or other teeth.
● Temperature sensitivity
You might require root canal therapy if your tooth suffers when you eat ice cream or drink hot coffee. This is especially true if the discomfort lasts for an extended period.
● Swollen gums and jaws
During tooth infection, pus can form in the surrounding region. This might result in puffy, inflamed, or painful gums. Moreover, when pus does not drain from the spot, it also leads to jaw swelling.
● Pimple on the gum
You can get a pimple or a boil on your gums. Pus from the affected tooth may leak from the pimple, leading to a bad taste or odor.
● Tooth discolouration
When a tooth’s pulp becomes infected, it can darken the tooth. This is due to a lack of blood flow to the tooth.
Also Read : A Comprehensive Guide To Dental Crowns And Bridges
● Cracked or chipped tooth
Bacteria can penetrate all the way into the tooth pulp if you crack a tooth in an accident, while playing sports, or even by biting down on anything hard.
● Loose tooth
An infected tooth can feel looser because the fluid from an infected pulp can weaken the bone that supports the tooth.
Sometimes, severe infection or ageing can also lead to teeth falling. However, you can restore your smile through the best all-on-4 dental implants.
What happens during root canal therapy?
Based on the complexity of the process, the therapy might need more than one visit. Some examples of complex instances are bent canals, many canals, or severe infections.
However, your dentist may choose a different technique than that outlined here.
● Root canal cleaning
Firstly, the dentist will sedate you and make a small crater on the surface of the infected tooth. Then, s/he will remove the contaminated pulp using small files.
● Root canal shaping
The root canals are reshaped to form smooth tunnels free of irregular surfaces that might again trap bacterial residue. The dentist will use certain cleaning agents, small dental tools, and medicines during the procedure.
This process might be repeated several times and spread across multiple visits if your dental infection is serious and the bacteria is persistent.
● Root canal filling
After thoroughly cleaning and reshaping root canals, they are filled with a rubbery material. Then, the root canals are sealed with adhesive sealant.
This endodontic treatment leads to a dead tooth as nerves and tissues, along with infection, are removed. Hence, you will no longer feel pain.
● Function restoration
Root canal treatment is a little abrasive, which leads to the removal of significant tooth structure. As a result, the tooth becomes more brittle and fragile with time. So, it is further protected to restore its function.
The tooth is covered with a dental crown to ensure the treated tooth center is safeguarded, and you can resume your normal dental activities.
Will you feel pain during and after the root canal treatment?
With sedation dentistry or anaesthetic treatment in place, patients report that they feel comfortable and relieved during the therapy.
Still, if your tooth was severely infected before the treatment, you might feel sensitivity or discomfort after the therapy. However, it will be relieved in a few days with counter medicines and by following the dentist’s instructions.
Nevertheless, if you feel pain for several days, contact your dentist.
Tips for caring after root canal treatment
Follow-up care is essential to fend off future infections in the tooth. Your dentist might recommend the following tips to support recovery and prevent contamination:
- Consume soft food or liquids for 24 hours after the treatment
- Pain will usually subside after a day, but you can take pain-relieving medicine if you cannot bear it
- Do not chew hard food like ice, and do not employ your teeth as tools to open something
- Brush twice a day and floss regularly
- Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush
- Schedule regular checkups and teeth cleaning
- Follow a healthy diet and avoid sugary food
- Wear a mouthguard while playing sports
- Drink more water
How much does root canal therapy cost?
The price of root canal treatment relies on various factors. For example, the type of infection, the complexity of the problem, the restoration treatment you choose, and others.
Some might feel that the therapy is pricy, but it is worth your investment because it will make your teeth pain-free and restore your precious smile.
The bottom line!
Root canal treatment, just like the best all-on-4 dental implants, has helped millions of people to maintain their natural teeth. It is a simple procedure that can be completed in a few dental visits and is also painless.
Moreover, you can save money from other complex restorative treatments by getting root canal therapy.
