Root Canal Treatment: Everything You Need to Know
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure used to repair and save a decayed or infected tooth.
When the pulp, which is made up of nerves and blood vessels in a tooth, becomes infected or damaged, root canal treatment is administered. The pulp is removed during root canal treatment.
People are scared of root canals because they believe they will be unpleasant. In reality, the procedure is typically no more painful than getting a filling placed. The discomfort before seeking dental treatment is genuinely distressing; not the procedure itself.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental treatment in which the soft middle of a tooth, or pulp, is removed. The pulp contains nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels that aid in the growth of the tooth. In most situations, a general dentist or endodontist will execute a root canal under local anesthesia during your visit to make your experience comfortable.
7 Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
If you have any of the below symptoms, you may need root canal treatment.
- Constant Toothache – Visceral pain or discomfort that is not caused or provoked by activity in the mouth.
- Lingering Sensitivity – If you’re sensitive to cold and hot foods, but they become more so over time (once the meal is finished), it might be a sign of needing a root canal.
- Discharge – Liquid coming from the root of the tooth or gums.
- Tooth Discoloration – An infection of the pulp might give your tooth a greyish-black color. To combat the underlying illness, root canal therapy is required if this is the case.
- Toothache in the Bone – An abscessed tooth may cause discomfort in the bone surrounding the tooth, which would necessitate root canal therapy.
- Toothache When Chewing – An infection may be present if you are experiencing pain when chewing or applying pressure to your tooth.
- Swelling of the Gums – This could be a sign that your tooth’s pulp is contaminated if you discover your gums are painful or swollen.
Does a root canal hurt?
A root canal surgery may be frightening, but today’s technology makes it not much more difficult than having a deep filling. Because your dentist will utilize local anesthesia to numb your tooth and gums, you’ll feel little or no discomfort throughout the procedure.
Antibiotics may be given to you by our dentist if you require a root canal and have facial swelling or a fever. This can also assist with the discomfort.
The root canal treatment is similar to receiving a large filling, but it will take longer. While the dentist cleans out the disease, disinfects the roots, and then fills them in, you’ll be numb.
Our dentist will put a rubber dam over the root canal tooth to prevent any infected debris from spreading throughout your mouth.
After the root canal, your mouth may feel painful or tender. Our dentist may advise you to take over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).
A 2011 study of 72 root canal patients, which included pre-treatment, treatment, and post-treatment pain assessments, was conducted by the researchers. The study discovered that pain was severe before treatment, but it decreased moderately after a day and then drastically to minimal levels within a week.
How Long Will My Root Canal Last For?
According to the American Association of Endodontists, root canal treatments have a success rate of over 95% and in most cases, they are permanent throughout your life.
There are a few things that must be completed before the root canal can survive and function effectively. The filling and crown should be obtained as soon as possible after the canals have been cleaned of all germs and debris.
It is also important to brush and floss your teeth at least three times a day, especially after eating and before going to bed. The fact that a root canal has been performed on a tooth does not guarantee that it is safe in your mouth for as long as it remains there. That tooth still has a chance of developing a cavity. Because the nerves are no longer accessible in that tooth, you will not feel any pain or experience any other indicators of a cavity. It’s critical to keep your teeth clean and check them regularly.
If a tooth is fractured or an abscess forms, you will experience discomfort and know that there is a problem with the tooth.
Root Canal After Care
Aftercare for a root canal should concentrate on reducing pain. You can get prescription pain relievers from your El Paso endodontist to alleviate discomfort. Driving or operating equipment while taking pain medications is dangerous because they may cause drowsiness. Over-the-counter pain relievers are popular among some patients.
To avoid further mouth or jaw discomfort, eat soft meals for the days after your surgery. Brush and floss your teeth as usual. Good dental hygiene will be important in maintaining your teeth healthy in the future.
Schedule Your Root Canal Consultation Today!
If a decayed tooth has caused you a considerable amount of pain, you can find relief through a root canal at our Lower Valley El Paso dental office. We offer comfortable and effective solutions for all dental concerns including root canals.
Call us today at (915) 598-7264 or click on the ‘Book An Appointment‘ tab above to schedule your appointment!
