A root canal treats an inflamed or infected tooth with an infection inside the root or pulp chamber. It is a routine procedure with a very high rate of success.
This blog explains why patients need root canals, details the procedure, provides symptoms to look out for, and answers frequently asked questions.
Why Root Canals Are Necessary
A tooth in need of a root canal may be broken, decayed, dying from nerve damage, or infected. Teeth in need of root canals often cause severe pain that interferes with a patient’s quality of life.
A tooth infection can sometimes spread to the gums and bone and cause illness.
If the infection spreads to the bone, it can soften it and make it more likely that the tooth will loosen and eventually fall out. Curing the infection can preserve the natural tooth from extraction and restore the patient’s overall wellness.
The Root Canal Procedure
A root canal is a routine, well-tolerated dental procedure. Before beginning the procedure, the doctor applies local anesthesia to prevent discomfort.
The second step involves making a small opening in the tooth’s crown. The doctor then uses tiny dental tools to remove all inflamed and infected material from the pulp chamber and root canals.
After the inflamed material is gone, the dentist disinfects and dries the tooth’s interior. Sometimes, they must apply an antibiotic and wait a few days for it to take effect before proceeding to the next step.
After clearing all traces of infection, the doctor fills the tooth with a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha and completes the procedure with a temporary filling.
After allowing the tooth to heal for one to two weeks, the patient returns to the dentist for restoration. Depending on the tooth’s condition, the dentist may place a permanent filling or a dental crown to complete the process.
Signs That You May Need A Root Canal
Patients may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Chipped or cracked tooth
- Severe pain when putting any kind of pressure on the tooth, usually when chewing
- Pimples appearing on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold that persists after removing the food or beverage
- Tender, swollen gums
- Darkened gums
- Discolored tooth
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
Is a root canal better than an extraction?
Some teeth have incurred too much damage to save. You will keep the tooth’s root system if your dentist recommends a root canal instead of extraction. Leaving the root intact means the jawbone will receive vital chewing stimulation that keeps it healthy and strong. If your dentist extracts the tooth, you will likely need a costly restoration like a bridge, implant, or denture.
Will a root canal make me sick?
Some patients feel reluctant to undergo a root canal because they believe it will worsen their symptoms. A century-old, discredited study supports the concept that a root canal causes illness. However, a root canal treats and does not cause pain and infection.
Call Dentistry of Mendham
If you experience the symptoms listed above, call us to schedule an appointment. We can see you promptly, relieve your pain, and treat any symptoms of an infection. Please call our Mendham, NJ, office at 973-543-5700 today.