The teeth are probably one of the most sensitive parts of our bodies. A painful tooth can hinder you from doing well, making you uncomfortable, especially with the root canal. But do not worry; with the significant advancements in medicine, we can treat your teeth right away. Get your root canal fixed for a better smile and a more comfortable life. Here’s all you need to know about a root canal or endodontic treatment.

What’s a Root Canal

A root canal treatment or an endodontic treatment is a procedure that can help you recover clean the canals in your tooth’s root. This is an essential procedure, especially if your teeth are painful or extremely sensitive. The dentist can restore your damaged or otherwise infected tooth back to perfect condition instead of completely removing the tooth or living with a bad tooth. It is a process to remove the nerves in your tooth that make it more sensitive. A root canal will allow you to get back to your normal activities as soon as possible.

This procedure is minimal and can take place in one to two appointments. It is a minutes procedure that starts with the endodontist examining your tooth by running it through an x-ray. The endodontist then administers an anesthetic to make sure the tooth is numb so that you feel no pain. Then the tooth gets isolated using a dental dam to make sure no saliva gets there to remain clean.

The endodontist then cleans the canals using small instruments that fit inside the tooth. Next, the endodontist accesses the root by removing part of the tooth’s crown to open it up. After the canal is appropriately cleaned and shaped for the filling material, the endodontist places the gutta-percha in it. Next, the doctor applies a block of adhesive cement to seal the opening. Finally, the endodontist may set a temporary filling. The dentist later removes that before restoration of the tooth. Always ensure you consult with your dentist throughout the process.

See also : Root Canal West Hollywood 

How Do You Know You Need a Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is mainly to fill any spaces in your tooth. They may be from cracks made from an injury in the tooth or a cavity. The cracks may also be due to genetics. Increased tooth sensitivity is a primary sign that you may need a root canal, especially when taking hot or cold substances. Other symptoms may include pain when biting and chewing, swollen gums, decay on the games, and darkening. Once you see these signs, it may be wise to visit your dentist.

What are the Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment saves your tooth from permanent removal while also protecting it from further damage. A root canal procedure is, therefore, an essential procedure for you. One benefit of a root canal is that you get back your tooth’s efficient chewing capabilities since it will restore itself after a while. Efficient chewing also comes with using normal energy while biting down food and restoring sensation. The tooth also gets back its original appearance before the damages making your smile brighter.

How Much Does a Root Canal cost

The root canal procedure is usually less expensive than removing the whole tooth. A root canal usually depends on the type of tooth. Treating the molars is usually more costly since they are more complicated to treat and handle. They are also harder to reach since they are deeper in the mouth. Your insurance company may cover the cost of endodontic procedures. Tooth removal is more expensive than root canal treatment since the implant is usually placed to keep the other teeth from losing their place.

Does Root Canal Treatment Hurt

Root canal treatments used to hurt in the old days, but advancements in medicine have been able to take care of that. Local anesthetics are available to help numb the tooth during the procedure. There may be mild discomfort in your tooth after the procedure for a few days that will go away. Apart from that, you do not have to worry about anything.

How Long After Root Canal Can I Go Back To Normal Activities

A root canal is a relatively short procedure, with its effect wearing off 2-4 hours after treatment. Therefore, it is possible for most patients who have undergone the procedure to go on with their normal activity hours after the procedure; however, you should avoid eating unless the numbness is no longer there.

Do I Need Any Additional Care After The Treatment

Yes, it would be best if you were careful with the tooth treated. First, you need not chew or bite on it unless your dentist has checked it and restored it. The dentist will then approve you for any further action. Chewing and biting the tooth might expose it to cracks before it is entirely well and may cancel out the procedure. You should also make sure you keep your mouth clean by brushing and flossing. Also, make sure you go for regular checkups.

If all goes well, your treated tooth can last for a long time, just as the other teeth. Also, make sure you visit your dentist if there is any pain in the tooth. Another endodontic procedure may be necessary to make sure your tooth is okay.

What Are The Dangers of Not Getting a Root Canal

An infection in the pulp of the tooth is just like an infection on any other part of the body and should be taken care of, or there might be dire consequences. The infection does not heal itself and sometimes this just means that the nerves have died, but the infection keeps spreading. It may spread to your gums, then your jaw, brain and to the rest of the body and turn life-threatening. Therefore, it is essential to make sure you take care of the tooth early by either getting a root canal or permanently removing it.

Is It Possible For a Root Canal To Fail

A root canal failing is an infrequent circumstance. For instance, over 95% of the procedures are successful. This does not, however, mean that it cannot fail. It may fail due to many reasons, such as the crown may be loose, or the tooth might develop a crack, or there may be a new decay on the tooth. If you want to know whether your root canal has failed, you will experience pain and discomfort a few days after the procedure, especially if it has stopped after a while. Also, you might experience some swelling around the tooth or on your face on the side of the treatment. You might also experience some discharge from your treated tooth. A redoing of the procedure is always recommended to take care of the problem.

Is a Crown Needed After a Root Canal

Needing a crown is entirely dependent on the type of tooth that has undergone the procedure. For example, incisors and canines are not used for chewing and are at the front of the mouth; hence they do not need the crown. However, the teeth that occur at the back of the mouth, such as molars and premolars, are for chewing and therefore require a crown for this function. If a crown is not replaced, you might experience pain or discomfort when chewing.

Can All Teeth Have a Canal Treatment Done on Them

Yes, most teeth can get treated even when they have severe damage in their canals. The only exception comes when the root canal cannot be accessed or when the damage is extreme. An extremely damaged root does not have enough bone support to maintain the tooth and should get removed as it cannot get restored. Advancements in endodontic treatment are making it possible to save these types of teeth, with the possibility of endodontic surgery being able to yield better results.

Can a Root Canal Kill a Tooth?

No, the root canal does not kill the tooth. All it does is remove the nerves inside the tooth, which otherwise do not have any function in a fully developed tooth. Instead, the root canal enables the tooth to function normally as a natural tooth would.

Can a Tooth Turn Black After a Root Canal

Yes, a tooth can turn black or get discolored after the procedure. In addition, it can develop spots known as intrinsic stains. The intrinsic stains occur due to the internal bleeding of the tooth after the procedure. This internal bleeding causes the tooth to turn either yellow or dark. Luckily, tooth whitening is a viable option once the tooth heals.

Conclusion

Getting a root canal is a very serious procedure that requires expertise to help you get the best services. Consult us on West Hollywood Holistic and Cosmetic Dental Care. We offer safe mercury amalgam removal, nonsurgical gum treatment, dental implants, and dentistry. Our physicians are always ready to treat you well with professionalism and care. Trust us to restore your smile for you. Contact us today.