If your dentist told you that you needed a root canal, what would you think? If the same dentist told you that it’s one of the most painful dental procedures out there, would you agree? And if he or she also revealed it’s not as bad as people think and that it won’t lead to any serious side effects, would you trust that information? These are valid concerns for anyone looking for answers about root canal treatment. After all, this procedure is non-negotiable in the case of endodontic disease (END-oh-DON-tic), a condition caused by an infection inside the pulp or root of your tooth. The only way to get rid of the infection and preserve the tooth is by getting treated with a root canal. Read on to know more about this treatment:
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure to save a tooth from infection. A root canal is performed when the pulp inside your tooth becomes diseased and starts to die. When that happens, the dying tissue releases toxins into the tooth; eventually, if left untreated, these toxins can lead to an infection in your jawbone or face. If you’re wondering what’s in a root canal treatment, it involves cleaning out the infected pulp with a file and then filling up the cleaned root canals with materials like gutta-percha or antibiotic paste. The whole thing takes about two hours and can be done in one sitting or over multiple visits depending on how many teeth need treatment.
What to expect from a root canal procedure?
Root canal treatment is a procedure that will remove the infected pulp and replace it with a crown or filling. The procedure entails: A dentist will numb your tooth with a local anesthetic and then drill into it to clean out the infected tissue. Next, he or she will put an antibiotic paste inside the pulp chamber where they just drilled and fill in any open spaces with very thin filling material. Once this is done, they will put temporary fillings over the root canal surgically sealed opening and give you instructions on how to maintain your teeth until the final root canal treatment gets completed. The entire process takes about one hour.
What happens during a root canal?
Root canal treatment is a procedure that helps save your tooth from infection or damage. The process is done by removing the pulp from the infected area of your tooth, cleaning it and filling it with a dental material. The entire root canal procedure usually takes about two hours and can sometimes be done in one sitting. You might also need multiple appointments, depending on the extent of your situation. During this procedure, you’ll probably experience mild discomfort or pain. It’s important to note that the pain is temporary and shouldn’t last more than a few hours after the treatment is completed.
Benefits of having a root canal treatment.
Root canal treatment, or endodontic therapy, is a procedure performed by a dentist to remove the infected interior pulp tissue of the tooth. The goal of this treatment is to remove the bacteria that caused an infection in your tooth and stop it from spreading to other parts of your body. This treatment can also be done as a preventive measure against future problems, such as tooth decay and fractures. Although it sounds scary, a root canal procedure isn’t as bad as you might think. It can take between 1-3 hours for the entire process and should not cause any serious side effects. In fact, most people won’t feel anything during the procedure because anesthesia will have been administered beforehand. You may experience mild discomfort for up to 2 days afterward, but this pain should go away on its own without requiring any medication. Once you’ve had your root canal treatment completed, you’ll need to come back every 6 months for follow-ups so that your dentist can make sure everything is healing properly and there are no signs of infection or complications.
Disadvantages of having a root canal treatment.
A teeth root canal treatment can be expensive. Root canal treatments are costly because the dentist has to take a lot of time and effort in treating your tooth with a root canal. The dentist will have to drill the infected part of your tooth and then fill it with gutta-percha and sealer. Gutta-percha is an alloy made from rubber tree sap, and it’s used as cement at the end of a root canal. Root canal treatments can lead to infection. If you don’t develop any symptoms after completing your root canal treatment, there is nothing to worry about. However, if you start experiencing pain or discomfort, you might need another root canal procedure done in case there’s still some infection left in your tooth.
Conclusion
Root canals are a common treatment for teeth. It is typically done when the nerves of the tooth are infected or inflamed. The good news is that root canals can be fixed with a simple procedure and you don’t have to be toothless. However, root canals have some disadvantages too. The most notable disadvantage is that they can cause gum shrinkage and tooth discoloration. There is also a chance of tooth sensitivity or dry mouth. The pros of having a root canal treatment outweigh the cons, but it’s important to be aware of both before deciding.
References:
1: Anxiety, pain and type of dental procedure
https://doi.org/10.1016/0005-7967(84)90049-4
2: Metallic dental material biocompatibility in osteoblastlike cells
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1385/BTER:100:2:151