When you hear the words root canal therapy, some individuals can become nervous, but do not worry. Root canal therapy is a routine dental procedure that works to save an infected or heavily damaged tooth. It alleviates pain and keeps you from losing the tooth by extracting it. Learning about the procedure and advantages can make anyone less nervous. If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, a root canal performed by a dentist near you might be the best way to save your tooth.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a dental treatment for infections within a tooth. An interior with soft tissue called pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, is present inside every tooth. If the pulp becomes infected due to deep decay, cracks in teeth, or multiple dental procedures, then that condition can bring intolerable pain. Root canal treatment involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning out the inner cavity, and filling the tooth so it does not get infected again. This way, the patient is able to retain their original tooth instead of getting it removed.
Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
There are a number of symptoms that can suggest a root canal. If you notice any of the following, it is advisable to visit a dentist immediately:
- Severe pain in the teeth, particularly when chewing or putting pressure on them
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that persists
- Swollen or painful gums near a particular tooth
- Darkening of the tooth
- A recurring pimple on the gums (abscess)
These symptoms, if ignored, can lead to additional complications such as infection spreading to other teeth and gums.
The Root Canal Procedure in Detail
Root canals are feared by most people because they believe the procedure is painful. But with advancements in dentistry, the treatment is quite painless and comfortable. This is what you can expect:
- Numbing the Area – The dentist gives a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area.
- Creating an Opening – An opening is created in the tooth to reach the infected pulp.
- Cleaning and Shaping – The dentist will eliminate the infected pulp, disinfect the inner chamber, and prepare the canal to be filled.
- Filling and Sealing – The cleansed area is sealed with a biocompatible substance to keep out reinfection.
- Restoring the Tooth – A filling or crown is added to restore the strength and function of the tooth.
The process generally involves one or two visits to the dentist, depending on how advanced the infection.
Why You Shouldn’t Fear Root Canal Therapy
Many people associate root canals with pain, but the reality is quite the opposite. Thanks to anesthesia and advanced techniques, most patients feel little to no discomfort during the procedure. In fact, root canal therapy relieves the pain caused by an infected tooth, improving oral health and overall comfort.
Also, root canals are successful most of the time, and patients get to retain their natural teeth for many years. With good oral care, a treated tooth may last a lifetime.
Advantages of Root Canal Therapy
There are several advantages of root canal therapy over the extraction of the tooth, such as:
- Saving Natural Teeth – Keeping your natural teeth ensures proper mastication.
- Enhancing Oral Health – Eliminating infection stops it from spreading to the other teeth and gums.
- Improving Looks – A capped tooth appears and feels like a natural tooth.
- Reducing Pain – Root canal treatment removes the pain of infection, yielding relief for the long term.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from a root canal is generally rapid. There will be some mild discomfort for a day or two, but this can be controlled by taking over-the-counter pain medication. Some guidelines for uneventful healing:
- Do not chew on the treated tooth until it receives its last restoration.
- Good oral hygiene involves regular brushing and flossing.
- Follow-up appointments as instructed by your dentist.
- Shun hard, sticky foods that might harm the restoration.
Common Misconceptions Surrounding Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is often surrounded by myths. These are some of the common misconceptions and facts to dispel them:
Myth #1: Root canal therapy is really painful.
Fact: Since techniques have changed, and also since anesthesia can now be given more effectively, the majority of patients experience very little or no discomfort during treatment.
Myth #2: A root canal tooth is simply an extracted tooth.
Fact: Preserving your natural tooth is always the most preferred option for maximizing oral function and aesthetics.
Myth #3: Root canal treatment induces illness.
Fact: No scientific evidence exists to correlate root canal treatment with systemic diseases.
Consult a Dentist in Winnipeg for Professional Treatment
If you are suffering from an intense toothache or think that you might require a root canal, don’t delay. At Westend Dental, our skilled staff offers gentle and successful root canal treatment to restore your oral health. Our experienced dentist will provide a customized treatment plan and monitor your progress to ensure the best results. If you are looking for a local dentist, you’ve come to the right place! Book an appointment today and let us care for your smile.