Detailed Guide on Root Canal Causes, Treatment, and Care

A decayed tooth can have adverse effects such as difficulty chewing and speaking, toothache, swellings, abscess, and sore gums. Fortunately, there’s hope even if your tooth is severely damaged.

Thanks to a root canal treatment, you can save a severely decayed or fractured tooth. If you’re considering a root canal or your dentist has scheduled one for you, it’s essential to know a few things about the procedure so that you are prepared.

What is Root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy is an endodontic treatment designed to repair and save a severely decayed or infected tooth. When food particles get trapped in the mouth, they build up to form plaque and tartar, significantly increasing the growth of harmful bacteria.

These bacteria attack the teeth, destroying the tooth’s enamel and causing cavities. Eventually, the bacteria finds its way into the tooth’s center or pulp, infecting its nerve and blood vessels.

A tooth’s pulp can also be decayed or infected from dental trauma, as well as a chip or crack in a large filling or tooth. To remove the infection or decay from the tooth’s pulp, a root canal procedure is performed.

A root canal seeks to remove the infected and decayed materials from the tooth, eliminating the infection and saving the tooth. Without the root canal, the infection would infect the entire tooth and even spread to the nearby teeth.

Signs you need a root canal

You may need a root canal:

• Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Pimples on the gums
• Swollen, red, or painful gums
• Chipped, fractured, or cracked tooth
• Deep cavities
• Teeth abscess

Root Canal Procedure

A root canal is a standard procedure that’s completed in a single appointment in the dental office. It can be performed by a dentist or endodontist – a dental specialist who specializes in the prevention, cause, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries or diseases of the tooth’s nerve or pulp. Typically, the treatment procedure involves:

• Initial Consultation

The first step to root canal therapy is to visit your dentist for an exam. The dentist will inspect your teeth and mouth thoroughly and determine whether you need root canal treatment. The dentist may take an x-ray to inspect the tooth more closely.

If you need a root canal, the dentist will discuss the treatment and schedule you accordingly. If your tooth is beyond saving, the only remedy is to extract the tooth.

• Root Canal treatment

On the day of the procedure, the steps are:

1. The dentist begins by injecting local anesthesia in the area around the tooth to keep you relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.
2. The dentist may put a rubber dam around the tooth to keep it dry.
3. Next, the dentist drills into the tooth to gain access to the tooth’s pulp. The decayed or inflamed materials are removed from the tooth. The tooth is cleaned thoroughly, rinsed, and disinfected.
4. A filler material is added to the tooth to close the tooth’s holes.
5. Lastly, a crown is placed to prevent further damage and strengthen the tooth.

• Follow Up

After the treatment, your dentist will discuss any additional details and schedule follow-up appointments if necessary.

Is a Root Canal Painful?

Most people think a root canal is a painful procedure. However, the fact that it’s performed under anesthesia makes it virtually painless. It is, however, possible to experience minimal side effects to the procedure, such as pain, sensitivity, swelling, and bruising.

However, given the pain associated with deep cavities, the treatment is well worth it. Similarly, your dentist is likely to prescribe some medications to relieve these symptoms.

Proper dental care and habits are essential to prevent infections and facilitate faster healing.

For the next 24 – 72 hours, eat soft foods and hydrate well. Entirely avoid very hot, spicy, crunchy, hard, chewy, and sticky foods. Good oral hygiene is also essential. Brush and floss gently while avoiding the treated tooth to prevent discomfort.

How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

The budget of a root canal treatment varies depending on various factors, including:

• The extent of damage
• The complexity of the procedure
• The location of the treated tooth
• Your location
• Existing oral or overall conditions

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Are you ready for your root canal treatment? Contact Randolph Dental Group today to book your dentist appointment.