Are you being told by your dentist that you need a root canal? Or are you scheduled for one soon? Don’t worry if your answer is a YES, you have reached the right place at the right time. We are here to guide you in everything you need to know before getting a root canal as well as what to expect when getting a root canal. To begin with, let us give you some general knowledge about root canal cause and cure.
What is a Root Canal treatment?
It’s a treatment used to repair or save a tooth that is badly decayed or dead. By “saving”, dentists don’t mean that they can make your tooth completely functional again but you can keep the concept of “Mummification” in your mind. If you’re suggested a root canal treatment, it means your tooth is already affected and it’s too late to save it now. If you don’t want the affected tooth out, then mummifying is the only left option but you can get it out by opting for an implant i.e. tooth filling to seal the hole left behind with a new – artificial tooth.
Why do we need a Root Canal ?
The major and most common signs of needing a root canal are feeling severe pain while chewing food, pimples on the gum, a cracked tooth, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, swollen or reddened gums, deep decay or darkening of the gums.
How painful is a Root Canal?
Feeling a minor pain during and after the treatment is normal but excessive pain is not usual at all as the use of anesthesia makes the procedure quick, safe, typically pain free. You may feel a little sensitivity but it will be gone within a week or so.
What are the steps involved?
Root canal is mainly just a four-steps procedure and it is performed over two dental visits.
- First, by using a needle, dentists try to numb the tooth. Slight pain is quite normal to feel in your tooth when the needle goes in. After numbing your tooth, dentists remove everything that is inside the affected tooth by using small files and then use water to clear it up. Dentists may also put an antimicrobial solution in the chamber to kill any remaining bacteria left inside
- Once the chamber is successfully and completely cleaned, they fill it with a rubber-like material using an adhesive cement to seal the canals completely
- The treatment is finished in your second visit after a few weeks by placing a permanent crown. As your teeth become more sensitive and weak due to this treatment, hence no eating is allowed until crowns are placed.
What to do after the Root Canal procedure?
You might need to schedule another visit with your dentist just for an examination because taking care of the teeth and gums is strictly suggested post-treatment. Go for an X-ray to see if there`s any additional damage or cause of all signs of infection are gone. Everything will be taken care of from your dentists` side but it will be important for you to take care of your oral health. Brush twice daily and use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Floss to clean between the teeth and prevent the buildup of plaque. Avoiding sugary drinks and foods, and follow a healthy diet. Root canal and crown go right after one another. It’s necessary to get your root canal treated tooth crowned after root canal treatment procedure.
Can a Root Canal fail?
There`s nothing like a 100% clean root canal. Mostly, root canals are successful but sometimes can fail due to the following:
- Poor hygiene
- Restoration begins to leak
- Breakdown of sealing material
- An extra canal that dentist could not see
- Vertical cracks in the tooth
- Error on dentists` side
Again, minor pain is normal but even after taking pain killers as suggested by the dentists, excessive pain that is lingered for weeks can be very serious to consider.
Visit ideal smile to get the treatment done from the best dentist for Root canal treatment.
