Root canal procedure has become a very common dental intervention. It is one of the simplest and easiest methods to save your natural tooth. There are usually a lot of questions about this procedure. Here, we have answered some of the most common questions regarding this treatment.
Facts About Root Canal Treatment
Q1: What Is A Root Canal?
When a tooth is decayed or becomes severely infected, a root canal treatment is usually performed to remove the infected or inflamed pulp, relieve the pain and save from reinfection.
It is an endodontic therapy that mainly aims to remove the infection-causing bacteria in the root canals. The tooth is then properly cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to prevent further damage.
Q2: Why Would I need a root canal?
Different signs suggest that a root canal might be needed. Some of them are:
● Severe toothache
● Discoloration of tooth or gum
● Pain while chewing
● Tenderness or sensitivity in the affected area
● Cracked or broken tooth
● Tooth infection reaching the nerves
● Tooth decay
Q3: Is It Painful To Have A Root Canal Done?
Like routine dental procedures, a root canal is also performed with dental sedation. Technological advances have made it a pain-free procedure.
The mild discomfort associated with the treatment, such as soreness and numbness around the affected region, typically wears off after 24-48 hours. Also, your Narrabeen dentist can recommend medications to help alleviate the pain.
Q4: What Happens During The Procedure?
The severity of the infection is usually determined with an X-ray. Using dental sedation, the affected tooth and the surrounding gum are numbed.
During the root canal process, the infected pulp chamber and canal are accessed through a small opening made on the crown of the infected tooth. It helps in removing the infected nerve tissue and soft-tissue debris.
Then the area is cleaned thoroughly. The hollow cavity is then filled using a biocompatible material (Gutta-percha) and helps in sealing the tooth.
The root canal treatment usually requires 30-90 minutes, depending upon the severity of the infection. Also, some dentists may perform the procedure in one session. But in certain cases, more than one session is recommended for effective treatment.
Q5: What Are My Other Treatment Choices?
Since the tooth area is deeply infected, the only choice available except root canal treatment is tooth extraction.
It is not recommended as the loss of teeth leads to a permanent gap at the place, and it will also cause misalignment of the adjacent teeth. For proper oral functioning, some replacements like implants, dentures, or bridges are required (which are more costly than the simple root canal procedure).
Besides, if the infected tissue or pulp is not removed timely, it can spread to other teeth. Cleaning also becomes challenging due to gaps, which further causes severe problems like tooth decay and other gum diseases.
Comparatively, the root canal is a safe and effective treatment. It is more predictable and successful as it helps preserve the natural tooth. It also prevents reinfection. So, it is always preferred to tooth extraction.
Consult your Narrabeen dentist before finalizing any treatment options as they can analyze the situation better.
Q6: Will I Have Discomfort After The Procedure Is Done?
After the treatment, some tenderness around the infected area is expected. The affected tooth might feel sensitive for a few days. Also, it is quite common to experience mild discomfort while biting and chewing or even speaking.
It will take some time for the discomfort to disappear and to recover completely. However, over-the-counter pain medications can be taken to relieve the pain. Some commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory pain relievers include naproxen and ibuprofen.
During recovery, it is advised to avoid eating or chewing crunchy or hard food substances (nuts, apples, etc.) until the numbness is gone completely. Soft food, especially liquid or semi-solid diet, is recommended. Brushing and flossing should be continued after the treatment.
Inadequate or defective dental restoration may lead to recontamination of the area. Another major issue can be the breaking down of the sealing material. This can lead to bacterial infections. Therefore, it is very crucial to attend follow-up appointment sessions to detect new infections.
United Dental Clinic, Warriewood offers professional consultation from experienced dentists, and you can also book your appointment online.
Q7: Is There Anything I Can Do To Avoid The Need For Future Root Canals?
Lifestyle and diet have an important role to play. Maintaining proper oral hygiene regularly can prevent tooth decay and infection. Regular brushing and flossing are very important.
It is recommended to avoid having foods rich in sugar like chocolates and candies. Also, acidic beverages damage the teeth considerably over the period. Besides, a timely visit to your dentist will help in detecting early signs of damage.
Q8: How Much Does It Cost?
Root canal treatment in Australia can range from $2000 to $4000. Complex procedures are more expensive. The cost is generally calculated based on the location, the severity of the tooth infection, and the position of the infected tooth.
Your dentist will determine the cost of the treatment after proper examination. Therefore the cost can vary from one patient to another. Consultation with good dentists is recommended for optimal outcomes.
Q9: Cosmetic Issues After Root Canal Treatment
During the root canal treatment, the pulp from the infected tooth is removed. It may eventually turn greyish, which appears different from the normal yellowish-white tooth color.
With cosmetic dentistry procedures, this condition can be taken care of. United Dental Clinic, Warriewood offers different cosmetic dentistry treatments like professional teeth whitening services using modern dental technology advancements.
