Many people are very apprehensive about dental root canal treatment. This is because of the horror stories that are going around. But unfortunately, this treatment is very important because an inflamed root canal is even more painful if it is not treated. Do you have to go to the dentist for a root canal treatment – or do you think you need it?
When a tooth is infected or damaged, root canal therapy is frequently used to save it. The damaged or infected tissue in a tooth’s root is removed during a dental root canal, and the opening is then sealed to prevent the infection from spreading. It is often recommended when a tooth has a large cavity, a deep crack, or an abscess that has reached the root of the tooth. If you need to have a root canal, here is what you need to know.
What is a root canal treatment?
A dental root canal treatment is also called a nerve treatment or endodontic treatment. This treatment is performed if there is inflammation in the root canal of a tooth. The tooth’s nerve, which is still alive, is removed during a root canal procedure. After cleaning the root canals, the remaining area is filled.
Root tip inflammation symptoms
How can you recognize swelling in the root canal? It starts with sensitive teeth, for example, when drinking hot or cold drinks. In a later stage, you may experience pain when chewing and a constant throbbing pain in the tooth or molar. This toothache can be very intense and even unbearable. If the process is already further, the nerve can slowly die. In that case, swelling may occur, and you may get a fever. Do you think you suffer from a root canal infection? Then contact your dentist.
Understanding the Procedure
Endodontists, who specialize in treating root canals, are typically the ones who do root canals. The damaged or infected tissue in the tooth’s root is removed during the operation. Additionally, the inside of the tooth must be cleaned and filled with a substance called gutta-percha. To safeguard the tooth and guard against potential infection, the gutta-percha is subsequently sealed with a filling or crown.
Local anesthetic, which makes the area around the tooth numb, is typically used during the treatment. Additionally, some patients may be given conscious sedation, which calms their nerves and helps them relax during the treatment. Depending on the case’s complexity, the procedure often lasts one to two hours.
Aftercare
After a root canal, it’s typical to experience some discomfort and sensitivity for a few days. Your dentist will give you painkillers to aid with any pain. For a few days, you should refrain from biting on the tooth that has been treated because doing so may increase discomfort.
It’s important to maintain good dental hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth every day. This will keep you from getting infections and help your body heal itself naturally. Also, for a few days, you should refrain from eating anything crunchy or hard because doing so could hurt your teeth and harm them.
Cost
The cost of a dental root canal can vary depending on several factors, including the location of the tooth, the type of anesthesia used, and the type of filling or crown used to seal the treated tooth. The average cost of a root canal is between $500 and $2,000. Nevertheless, it might vary depending on your unique situation.
The majority of dental insurance plans only pay a fraction of the cost of a root canal. However, some may fully cover the cost. Make sure to confirm what is covered by your insurance provider.
Alternatives to Root Canal
In some cases, you may not need a dental root canal, and there may be other ways to treat the problem. For example, if the infected or damaged tooth is not causing pain or discomfort, a dentist may recommend a filling or crown to treat the tooth. If the damage is too bad and the tooth can’t be saved, the dentist may suggest taking it out and replacing it with an implant, bridge, or denture.
It’s important to talk to your dentist about all of your options to figure out what the best course of action is for you.
Some facts about root canal treatment
- Many people think that the treatment causes a lot of pain. But that is generally not the case! The treatment is done precisely to relieve you from the pain you suffer from the infection.
- However, you may feel pain after the treatment. You can take painkillers for this, for example, paracetamol.
- Your teeth are not as strong as before after the treatment. This makes it important to take good care of your teeth because your tooth or molar does not protect itself well against cavities and gum infections. Brush your teeth twice a day and visit the dentist twice a year.
- Eat well before root canal treatment. Make sure you get all the important nutrients. After the treatment, you cannot eat a normal diet for a few days to a week.
- A root canal treatment protects your smile and other teeth. When your tooth is infected, there are two ways to fix it. One way is to have the tooth removed, and the other way is to perform a root canal treatment. Our dentists used to extract the teeth that were hard to save, but nowadays, we give teeth a second chance and refer them to an endodontist for treatment under a microscope.
So, if you don’t want to have your tooth removed and want to keep your beautiful smile, this treatment is the best option. An additional advantage is that your teeth do not shift, and your teeth and smile are preserved!
Hopefully, these facts have changed your mind so that when you have to undergo a root canal treatment, you come to the dentist with peace of mind.
Conclusion
A damaged or infected tooth may be saved with a dental root canal, which is a common surgery. In order to stop further infection, the damaged or infected tissue in the tooth’s root must be removed and sealed. In most cases, local anesthesia is used during root canal surgery, and aftercare includes avoiding foods with a lot of crunches and keeping proper oral hygiene. Most insurance policies pay for a percentage of a root canal’s $500 to $2,000 price, which can cost anywhere. Fillings, crowns, extractions, and replacement with an implant, bridge, or denture can all help you avoid a root canal. Once you and your dentist have discussed your options, you can decide which is best for you.
Do you suffer from an infection or other dental conditions? Then make an appointment. At Virginia Dental Care, we do everything to help with your dental issues.