Root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to save a tooth from decay or infection. It is one of the most commonly performed dental procedures and can be a very effective way of restoring a decaying or damaged tooth and preventing it from further harm. If you’ve been told that you need a root canal, you may be wondering exactly what the procedure involves and how it will affect you.
This comprehensive guide to root canal treatment will provide you with all the information you need to know, including the types of root canal treatments, the cost, the recovery process, and what to expect during the procedure. So, if you’re considering a root canal and want to find out more, read on.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is a procedure used to remove decaying or infected tooth tissue and save a tooth from extraction. It is used whenever a tooth has been damaged by infection or advanced tooth decay, as it is often cheaper and easier to save the tooth by removing the infected tissue than removing the tooth completely.
A root canal is a procedure done inside the tooth to remove the infected pulp tissue, disinfect the infected area, and fill the hollow tooth root with a synthetic material. During the procedure, the dentist cleans and disinfects the infected area, removes the infected pulp from the tooth, and fills the hollow tooth root with a sealant to prevent infection. A root canal is sometimes called endodontic treatment or endodontic therapy.
Types of Root Canal Treatment
There are three different types of root canal treatment: Endodontic therapy – This is the most common type of root canal treatment and involves cleaning out the root canal, removing any damaged or decayed tissue, and filling the root with sealant. Root resection – This type of root canal treatment is used when there is too much damaged or decayed tissue in the tooth to remove through cleaning alone.
Endodontic obliteration – This type of root canal treatment is used when the tooth has been so badly damaged that cleaning is not an option. In this instance, the dentist will remove the tooth and replace it with a dental implant or bridge.
Cost of Root Canal Treatment
The cost of root canal treatment can vary depending on your geographical location and whether or not you have dental insurance. Root canal treatment costs vary depending on factors like your location, the type of dental provider, and whether or not you have dental insurance.
If you don’t have dental insurance, you can still receive root canal treatment and save on the cost of root canal treatment by looking for a provider that offers discounted rates for uninsured patients. If you have dental insurance, the amount you pay for the treatment will depend on the type of insurance plan you have. Most major dental insurance providers will cover root canal treatment. To find out if root canal treatment is covered by your plan, you can check your policy or contact your provider directly.
Recovery Process After Root Canal Treatment
After root canal treatment, you will be given instructions on how long to wait before you can eat certain foods, drink certain beverages, or resume normal daily activities. It will also depend on how well you heal. The healing process will vary from person to person and can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months.
The amount of time it takes for you to recover from root canal treatment will depend on several factors, including: – Your level of health before the procedure- Your age- Your overall health- Your dental health- The extent of tooth decay or infection While you are recovering, you will likely experience some mild to moderate discomfort.
This is normal, so don’t be alarmed. It is also important to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to the letter to ensure that you heal properly. – Avoid applying too much pressure to the treated tooth while chewing- Avoid eating foods that are difficult to chew (e.g. hard, crunchy foods)- Stay hydrated- Avoid smoking or using tobacco products- Avoid consuming excessive amounts of caffeine
What To Expect During the Procedure
Root canal treatment is usually done while you are under a local anesthetic. Local anesthetic, also known as a shot, is a type of medication that numbs the specific area where it’s applied. It is fast-acting and wears off within few hours.
During root canal treatment, the dentist will begin by making a tiny hole on the chewing side of the tooth. The dentist will then use a special tool called “ explorer ” to carefully clean and remove any decayed or infected tissue from inside the tooth. The infected pulp tissue will be removed from the tooth and the cleaned out area will be filled with a dental sealant. The dentist will then cover the tooth with a special dressing.
Pros and Cons of Root Canal Treatment
Pros of root canal treatment – Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure that can save a tooth from extraction. It is often cheaper and easier to save a tooth with root canal treatment than extraction. – Root canal treatment can save you time, money, and pain.
If the tooth is left untreated, it may lead to tooth loss. Cons of root canal treatment – It can be painful. Root canal treatment can cause nerve damage, infection, and tooth loss. – If any infection is left untreated and spreads to the surrounding area, it can lead to the loss of adjacent teeth.
If the infection spreads to the adjacent nerves, it can cause long-term pain or even irreversible damage. – If the infection remains untreated and grows, it can spread to the entire body and cause sepsis. – If root canal treatment is not performed correctly, it can lead to infection. – A root canal treatment is not suitable for all teeth. – Some people may develop an infection after root canal treatment.
Alternatives to Root Canal Treatment
If the root canal treatment fails, or in case the dentist thinks it cannot be done on a particular tooth, your dentist might suggest another course of treatment. Here are some alternatives to root canal treatment – Filling: If the tooth is not salvageable, your tooth might be filled.
Root fragment removal: If the tooth is not salvageable, your dentist might remove the tooth completely along with the root. – Extraction: If you fail to maintain proper dental hygiene and perform regular checkups, a tooth might become decayed.
In this case, you might need root canal treatment or extraction. – Dental bridge: If you have decayed teeth in the front of your mouth and the damage is too extensive to be repaired with a filling, your dentist might suggest a dental bridge.
Preparing for Root Canal Treatment
Find a good dentist: While a root canal might save your tooth from further damage, it is a very invasive procedure. So, it is important to find a dentist who has extensive experience in performing root canals. – Ask your dentists about their experience in performing root canals and the percentage of root canals that they have performed. – It is also important to ask about their experience in treating individuals with sensitive teeth.
Find a good dental clinic: While it is important to find a dentist with extensive experience in performing root canals, it is also important to find a dental clinic with a good hygiene rating. – Ask your dentist about the clinic where they perform root canals and check their hygiene rating online. Ask your dentist about dental insurance: Depending on your dental insurance plan, you can get root canal treatment for free or at a discounted rate.
Post-Treatment Care for Root Canal Treatment
– Eat healthy – Stay hydrated – Brush and floss – Visit your dentist for regular checkups – Use a mouthguard for additional protection – Choose an appropriate diet – Visit your dentist for regular checkups If you have a tooth that requires root canal treatment, it is important to take care of your oral health so that the procedure is successful.
Here are some tips that you can follow to maintain good oral health – Eat a healthy diet – Visit your dentist for regular checkups – Brush and floss regularly – Use mouthwash – Use a mouthguard during sports Ultimately, root canal treatment is a viable option for saving teeth that are infected or decayed. And while it is not a pleasant procedure, it is a necessary one. By following these tips, you can make the process as painless as possible.
