Root Canal Treatment (Endodontic)
Root canal treatment (endodontics) is a dental procedure designed to treat infection at the center of a tooth (root canal system). Such treatment helps save a severely injured, cracked, or decayed tooth from extraction. Root canal therapy in 90% of cases can prolong your tooth’s life by up to 10 years. Despite common fears, like most patients say root canal treatment is completely painless as tooth filling due to local anesthesia, which is always used to numb the area.
Causes of Root Canal Infections
- untreated cavity
- dental trauma
- errors during root canal treatment
Root Canal Infection Symptoms
- Dull, persistent toothache at any time of the day.
- Tooth pain when pressure is applied to a specific tooth.
- Difficulty closing the mouth or clenching teeth due to toothache. Any attempt results in pain.
- A feeling of unwellness, fatigue, fever.
- Swollen or enlarged submandibular lymph nodes.
- Teeth sensitivity to cold or heat.
- Changes in the color of teeth.
- Swollen gums.
- Temporary toothache, tenderness, or pain when you put pressure on the tooth.
- Risk of developing a dental fistula.
- Bad breath (halitosis).
How Long does Root Canal Treatment Take?
Root canal therapy requires a high level of skill, extreme attention, and advanced technology. A series of X-rays will be taken throughout each stage. Typically, the treatment takes no more than 1-2 visits to complete. However, in severe cases, it can last several weeks. Before performing the procedure, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics to reduce inflammation.
Stages of Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure, so there is no need to worry. It provides a chance to save a tooth from extraction.
- The dentist will give the patient a local anesthetic to make the treatment comfortable.
- Drilling an access hole. This hole will pass through the crown to access the root canal system. The dentist will remove the infected nerve and tissue, disinfect and seal roots.
- Depulpation (dental nerve removal).
- Cleaning and shaping canals, removing the remains of the infected pulp. In the case of an inflammatory process, anti-inflammatory medicines and a temporary filling are placed in the tooth. You will need to visit the dentist again in 3-7 days
- Filling the tooth canals.
- Restoration of the tooth with a filling material. The dentist may suggest placing a crown on the tooth. This will help protect the tooth from chipping and recurrent caries.
What to Expect after Root Canal Treatment?
- Occasional pain or tooth sensitivity when chewing. Unpleasant sensations can last from several days to 2 weeks. Take painkillers if necessary.
- Slight soreness in the local anesthesia injection site. Discomfort in the gingival area of the tooth caused by a rubber dam. These post-treatment effects will get better on their own in 1-3 days.
When Should you See a Doctor Immediately?
- If a temporary filling falls out, it is important to see the dentist on the same day.
- You experience fever and swelling in the treatment area. There is no need to worry as it is a physiological reaction of the body, but you should visit your dentist anyway.
What Can you not do after a Root Canal?
- Do not eat anything until the anesthesia wears off, as you might bite your cheek or tongue without knowing it.
- You should wait at least 1-2 hours before eating solid food if you have a temporary filling.
- Avoid chewing on this tooth until the pain has completely subsided.
Choose Dental World dentistry and let our root canal specialists help you. Don’t let the infection get you!