Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment for damaged teeth when the pulp tissue has become diseased or dead (non-vital) so that it won't need to be extracted and can continue to function in the mouth.
People are afraid of getting root canals because they think they would hurt. The majority of patients claim that the operation itself doesn't hurt any more than getting a filling put in. True pain comes from the anguish suffered prior to seeking dental care, not from the procedure itself.
What are the causes of getting root canal treatment?
- Deep filling or a severely decaying tooth that is affecting the pulp.
- Dead (non-vital) tooth and/or infected tooth.
- If a tooth has a large filling and is in need of a crown, root canal therapy may be necessary first to provide room for the crown or filling to be placed and retained.
What are the signs and symptoms that root canal therapy is needed?
- Pain when biting or chewing.
- Pain when eating or drinking hot or cold food and drink.
- Teeth discoloration (darkening).
- Swelling and gum tenderness close by.
- A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums
The Treatment:
The therapy may require one to two appointments or more, depending on how difficult the case is. An X-ray is taken as the initial stage in the operation to examine the form of the root canals and check for any indications of infection in the nearby bone. Local anesthesia to numb the area near the tooth may need, but may not be necessary in some cases. Your dentist will next place a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) around the tooth in order to keep the area dry and saliva-free while performing the procedure. Caries at enamel and dentine will be removed and cleaned first, then the infected/dead pulp tissue will be removed from the canal. The canal will be shaped and cleaned with disinfectant and subsequently filled / obdurate with canal filling material (GuttaPercha) if there is no sign or symptom.
What is required for prevention?
- Brush at least twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste.
- Checkups at the dentist should be done frequently.
- Treating tooth decay early.
- Reduce your consumption of sugary snacks.
Frequently asked questions:
1. What complications may arise?
Bleeding, pain, edema, or discomfort are possible side effects. Another possibility is an infection, however, this can be handled with re-cleaning and painkillers.
2. Do I have to take antibiotics?
Antibiotics will only be prescribed if there is systemic involvement such as fever.
3. Do I always need a crown after root filling?
Crowns are not usually necessary to restore teeth with root fillings. Only when the tooth has been severely damaged by tooth loss is a crown necessary.
4. Cost of Root Canal Therapy?
Depending on the severity of the issue and which tooth is impacted, the price varies. If it’s performed by a general dentist could range from 80 to 100 JD. The fees charged by endodontists could be up to 50% higher.
5. Alternatives to Root Canal Therapy?
Keeping your natural teeth is the best choice, you can eat the wide variety of foods required to maintain a healthy diet. The only alternative to a root canal procedure is having the tooth extracted. A bridge, implant, or removable partial denture would subsequently be used to replace the missing tooth in order to restore chewing ability and stop nearby teeth from shifting.
