
Things You Should Know about Root Canal Therapy
Why Do I Need A Root Canal?
No one wants to hear “You need a root canal”! The need for a root canal may be discovered during routine dental care or most likely alert you through a range of discomfort indicating there a problem. The need for a root canal often presents as an emergency such as an infection or abscess. Root canal therapy is often done as soon as possible. In emergencies, a root canal may be delayed to allow antibiotics reduce inflammation and swelling caused by an infection.
Here are seven things you need to know about root canal therapy!
1. Why is root canal therapy called for?
A root canal is used when the root of a tooth becomes infected. If the infected pulp isn’t removed, the decay can progress to areas around the tooth. This can cause the loss of other teeth and worse, migrate to the jaw bones. While antibiotics can suppress an infection in the root of a tooth, it is just a matter of time before an infection returns.
2. Are there alternatives to a root canal?
Also, depending on the condition of surrounding teeth and finances, many opt to have a tooth removed. A root canal removes the root of the tooth which stops the infection without the need for extracting the tooth. The generally least desirable way to deal with a root infection is to extract the tooth. While that is financially expedient, it also leads to other issues that can be more expensive to mitigate.
3. When do you need root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is necessary when a cavity has progressed far enough to reach the tooth’s pulp chamber. Symptoms of an infected root canal can range from a dull ache or pressure to sharp pain when biting. You also may experience lingering sensitivity to hot or cold foods and even swelling or tenderness in the gums around a tooth. There may be no pain or sensitivity at all, but an X-Ray may show a small abscess at the end of a tooth’s root.
4. What happens during a root canal?
The root canal is the chamber inside the tooth that contains pulp and the pulp’s nerves and blood vessels. The infected tissue in the chamber needs to be removed in order to prevent the spread of infection and decay. Root canal treatment is how this is achieved.
5. The basic steps of root canal therapy
After the doctor has determined with an exam and X-rays that you need root canal therapy, you’ll be numbed with a local anesthetic. An opening is made in the tooth so that different sizes of files can be used to clean out the infected pulp from each canal and chamber. The number of canals in the tooth varies depending on which tooth is affected. The impacted tooth’s canals are rinsed out and disinfected. They’re then cleaned roots are filled and sealed.
6. What else may I expect as part of a root canal therapy?
Depending on the extent of damage to the tooth, you may need a crown. If this is the case, a root canal therapy may extend into several visits. If the tooth is damaged or a crown has to be removed, a temporary crown may be placed. A permanent crown will be put on at a second visit.
7. Does root canal therapy hurt?
While root canal therapy sounds painful, there’s actually very little discomfort involved. Depending on type of sedation, the most you may experience is the momentary prick and even that is numbed before hand! You will be numb throughout the procedure. Following the treatment, you may have some discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter medications. To reduce chances for pain after a root canal treatment, it’s important to follow all your dentist’s instructions after the procedure!
Choosing a dentist for root canal therapy
NOW Dental of Carmichael, CA is ready to help you with root canal therapy! In some cases, when there is a need for root canal therapy under a crown, Now Dental may refer you to a specialist to save the crown. We will always make the recommendation that provides the best care for your dental health. We treat every patient on a case-by-case need. You and your families optimal dental care come first at Now Dental!
Taking the best care of your teeth and regular checkups can prevent the need for root canal therapy!
Remember, regular dental checkups, extreme diligence in your personal dental and oral hygiene care are two steps you that can prevent the cavities, that if left untreated, are the number one cause for the need of root canal therapy.
Protect your oral health, reduce dental expenses, set up an appointment for routine care at Now Dental now! You can reac Now Dental of Carmichael, CA at 916-966-2009