Root Canal Treatment FAQs
Dental hygiene is paramount in maintaining your oral health. However, the accumulation of plaques in the gums can cause bacterial growth, which leads to gum infection and decay. Several treatments from cleaning to extraction can be done. But, for mild to moderate dental caries, the doctor can recommend a tooth canal that can preserve your teeth. In this post, our dental team answers all the common questions about canal therapy.
What is Root Canal?
The human tooth is composed of the enamel and dentine (give the teeth its color). The dentine further has a pulp cavity chamber that houses the tissues and nerves. When the teeth are maturing, the pulp gives the teeth its sensitivity. However, in mature teeth, you depend on the surrounding tissue for nourishment. Though it may appear not necessary, the pulp can cause intense pain once it is infected. A tooth canal treatment is done to remove the pulp cavity, stop the spread of the infection, and preserve your teeth.
How Can You Detect You Need an Endodontic Treatment?
Once the pulp cavity is infected, it can cause:
- Severe pain when chewing or biting
- Swollen, tender, and pimples on the gums
- Tooth sensitivity that lasts for long
- Deep decay
- Darkened gums
- Chipped or cracked teeth
What Does the Endodontic Treatment Entail?
The dentist performs the endodontic treatment in several steps:
- Dental examination and assessment
The endodontic specialist will use modern dental technology that examines your teeth, the extent of the infection, bone loss, and the health of the surrounding tissues.
- Removing the infected pulp
The dentist will anesthetize your gums, but anesthesia is not needed since the pulp is dead and no sensation. A rubber sheet is placed on the affected tooth to keep it dry and clean. An opening is made on the crown of the teeth (chewing surface) to access the cavity easily. Using small dental instruments, the endodontist will clean the cavity of the infection and any debris. At times the dentist may use antibiotics on the cavity.
- Sealing of the teeth
It can take a week before the teeth are filled and sealed. The dentist will use a biocompatible material to fill the cavity and seal the hole. In most cases, a temporary tooth filling is used, until the teeth are restored.
- Teeth restoration
The final step involves the restoration of the teeth using dental crowns. Some people are reserved about using crowns, but they can strengthen your teeth. The removal of the pulp cavity caused the teeth to weaken and get re-infected.
Will I Feel Pain During and After the Endodontic Procedure?
No, as anesthesia will be used. The dental specialist can also use sedation if you have severe dental phobia and gag reflex.
You can, however, expect to have discomfort after the endodontic treatment, which will last for one or two days; anytime longer than that, call the dentist for an assessment.
How Many Dental Visits do I Need for the Endodontic Treatment?
You may need one or two dental appointments, depending on the severity of the pulp infection.
Is It Better to Have Extraction or Root Canal?
Tooth extraction and endodontic treatment treat the same problems—dental decay. However, endodontic therapy is done to stop the spread of infection and preserve your natural teeth.
Extraction is a permanent procedure because the teeth won’t grow back. You will need cosmetic dental services such as dental implants or bridges to replace the teeth. Furthermore, missing teeth cause the alveolar bone to deteriorate, thereby weakening the dental structure. If the pulp cavity infection is moderate, endodontic treatment will suffice.
What Will Happen If Endodontic Treatment Is Not Done?
If left untreated, the pulp infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and other parts of the body leading to widespread inflammation or sepsis.
Take Away!
Endodontic treatment is a necessary treatment if you have an infection. The procedure can save your teeth and preserve your dental integrity. Visit Unique Dental Care for your dental assessment and checkup of your eligibility for the treatment.