Root Canal - Trusmiledental

Saving Damaged Teeth through Root Canal Therapy

When the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause severe pain, requiring a root canal procedure to restore the tooth to health.

Endodontic treatment doesn’t deserve its bad reputation

We have all heard the jokes that make it seem like a root canal is the worst thing anyone might ever have to endure. But root canal treatment is no more painful than most other dental procedures. And while it often may require requires two visits to the dentist’s chair, it actually removes relieves the pain and complications caused by inflammation or infection in the pulp or nerves of a tooth.

What is Root Canal treatment?

A root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure to treat a damaged or infected tooth pulp. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause significant pain and discomfort.

Here’s what can damage the pulp:

Deep decay caused by an untreated cavity.
Multiple dental procedures to a single tooth.
A fractured or cracked tooth.
Trauma to the tooth.

Signs and Symptoms, You May Require a Root Canal

Indications that you may require a root canal include:

Sensitivity of the tooth to heat or cold, especially, lasting response to cold temperatures, throbbing or aching continuously, spontaneous pain, or significantly aggravated pain by hot temperatures only
Severe pain, deep in your tooth, when chewing or biting
Trouble speaking, swallowing, or breathing, which might indicate a more serious infection
Chipped or cracked teeth
Swollen or painful gums
Darkened gums
Tooth discoloration
Pimples in your gums

Prevention of Root Canal

The best ways to prevent infection in the soft tissues of the tooth are by taking proper care for your teeth and gums. Keep good oral hygiene by:

Brushing at least twice a day, especially at night
Dental flossing at least once per day
Do not eat hard foods, especially sweet candies
Avoid acidic drinks like soda
Wear a mouth guard to avoid sports injury
Schedule routine tooth [teeth] cleanings
Complete recommended restorative treatment such as crowns, bridges, and implants to protect teeth and balance function
See your dentist at the first sign of tooth pain, swelling, or change in function

A root canal treatment aims to:

Remove the inflamed or infected pulp.
Clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth, including the root canals.
Seal the tooth to prevent reinfection.

Why Choose Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy has many benefits over extraction of a tooth:

Preserves the natural tooth: A natural tooth functions better for chewing, biting, and general oral health than an artificial replacement, such as a bridge or implant.
It preserves facial structure: Natural teeth provide support to the jawbone and facial structure. A lost tooth leads to loss of bone and hence the appearance becomes sunken.
It prevents further problems: If a tooth remains infected, there can be pain, swelling, and even loss of bone. Root canal treatment eliminates the infection and stops such complications.
Esthetically better appearance: The shape of a natural tooth appears nicer when compared to that of the missing tooth or a highly filled tooth.
Usual Function: Root canal therapy provides normal chewing, biting, and speaking.

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy?

Pain Relieving: Root canal treatment completely removes a tooth pain due to either damaged pulp or infected pulp.
Long-lasting outcomes: If you give proper care to the treated tooth, then you can preserve it for a very long period of time even for many years.
Good oral health: Root canal therapy removes infections and further damages the roots of the teeth and that of bone present in them.
Help you keep smiling: Keeps your natural teeth for healthy and pleasing smile

FAQs

Will a root canal therapy be painful?

Not really, as the treatment is mostly painless. An injection of local anesthesia to the affected tooth area will help numb it. You’ll still experience mild discomfort post procedure, which you can ease with OTC pain medicines.

How many visits do I need for a root canal?

The number of appointments needed varies with the complexity of a given case. In most cases, it is completed in one or two visits.

What happens after a root canal?

After a root canal, your dentist will usually place a temporary crown on the tooth. You will need to return for a follow-up appointment to have a permanent crown placed to restore the strength and functionality of the tooth.

How long is recovery from a root canal?

Recovery from a root canal is usually quick. You may have some mild soreness or discomfort for a few days following the procedure.

How much does a root canal cost?

The cost of a root canal can vary depending upon the location of the tooth, the complexity of the case, and your dentist’s fees.

What are the risks of root canal therapy?

Like any dental procedure, there are some risks associated with root canal therapy. Some of these include infection, pain, and rarely, breaking of the tooth.

What are the consequences if I don’t get a root canal?

If left untreated, an infected tooth can lead to several serious complications, including pain, swelling, abscess formation, bone loss, and even tooth loss.

Can a root canal fail?

In some cases, a root canal may fail. This is because the infection was not fully removed, or the tooth suffered additional damage after the procedure. If a root canal fails, retreatment or extraction may be necessary.

How can I prevent needing a root canal?

Regular dental hygiene, such as brushing the teeth twice a day and flossing daily with regular checkups at a dental clinic, can prevent decay and infections that may force one to undergo a root canal.

Alternatives to Root Canal Therapy

The alternative is usually tooth extraction. Nevertheless, this should be used as a last resort as it means losing the natural tooth.