Facts About Root Canal Treatment

The tooth has a dentine (gives the teeth their natural color) which contains a pulp cavity or chamber. The canal has tissue and nerves that nourish the teeth as they mature. However, once the teeth have attained maturation, they depend on the surrounding tissues for nourishment. Although it may not have its sensory function, a pulp cavity supports and protects the teeth.

The pulp chamber can get infected due to poor hygiene, repeated dental procedures, trauma to the face, and cracked or chipped teeth. An infected pulp cavity needs an endodontic treatment. A few myths surround this procedure, so here are a few facts you need to know.

Endodontic Treatment is Done to Preserve the Teeth

Do you remember back then when the solution to an infected or decayed tooth was extraction? Today, a few options such as endodontics can help too. Endodontic treatment, if done correctly, can remove the infection, preserve your teeth and dental integrity.

Tooth extraction is a root canal alternative but is only done in severe dental cases. The procedure involves the removal of the permanent teeth and leaves spaces in between. Replacing these teeth is critical not only for your appearance but also to stop the progressive bone loss.

There’s No Pain During the Endodontic Procedure

Contrary to popular opinion, root canal therapy is not painful. The dental specialist will anesthetize the gums to ease the discomfort. If you have dental phobia, sedation may relax you and make the procedure bearable. The dentist can use either oral, intravenous, or deep sedation.

You will, however, have discomfort and pressure after the treatment for a few days. You can use pain relievers, but with the dentist’s instruction.

The Endodontic Process is not Long

You will need one or two dental visits depending on the severity of the infection, and the treatment involves a few steps:

• Dental examination using digital imaging tests. The dentist will check the extent of the decay, bone loss, and condition of the surrounding tissues.
• Next, the affected tooth is separated from the rest using a rubber sheet, which also keeps it dry. The dentist drills the crown, removes the infected pulp and reshapes the teeth reshaped.
• A biocompatible material is placed in the pulp before sealing it
• Finally, the dentist will restore the teeth using a dental crown

Yes, You May Need a Dental Crown

A few people have reservations about dental crowns and deem them unnecessary after the endodontic treatment. But, remember the removal of the pulp cavity will weaken the teeth. A dental crown can restore and strengthen your teeth and also protect it from infection.

Dental Aftercare is Required

After the treatment, you will have slight sensitivity because of the tooth inflammation. You can use pain killers, but also avoid the surface when chewing until the dental crowns are fixed. This will help to avoid recontamination of the teeth and prevent teeth from breaking.

Additionally, continue brushing and flossing to keep the food particles away, and also use a mouthwash to rinse. In the first few days, eat only soft foods that require less chewing. Avoid smoking as it affects the healing process and gum health.

A Few Dental Complications Can Arise

Although the endodontic treatment has a 95 percent success rate, it can cause a few dental problems.

• Having multiple root canals, and some are left untreated increasing the risk of having reinfection.
• Undetected cracks on the teeth allow the bacteria to fester
• An inadequate or break down of the dental filling

If complications arise, the dentist can perform another endodontic treatment.

The Teeth Can Get Discolored

Sometimes your gums and teeth may become slightly dark because of internal bleeding. Luckily, a teeth whitening procedure may be done to remove the stains.

Take Away!

Since decay and repeated dental procedures are the primary cause of pulp infection, maintaining proper dental hygiene is the best prevention plan. Wear a mouthguard when playing high-impact sports to prevent any trauma to the teeth. Additionally, visit Starry dental for your routine dental checkup and cleaning.