Root Canal Treatment

What Are Common Symptoms of a Tooth That Requires Root Canal Treatment?

• Toothache when biting or chewing
• Avoiding chewing on the tooth
• Lingering sensitivity to cold or hot
• Severe spontaneous, sharp pain
• Swollen gums, jaw, glands, or face
• Fever and feeling fatigue
• Pus around the impacted tooth
• Bitter taste

What Are the Benefits of Root Canal Treatment?

Save the Natural Tooth

The root canal procedure involves removing the infected pulp tissue, cleaning and shaping the space, and filling it with a biocompatible material. Afterwards, the tooth is prepared for an onlay or crown. This will save the natural tooth’s remaining structure, restore its function, and protect it from further complications.

Immediate Pain Relief and Prevention of Spread of Infection

Root canal therapy will remove the infected pulp, preventing the bacteria from spreading to the surrounding areas and entering the bloodstream. Additionally, by removing the nerve and infection, it relieves pain and prevents it from returning.

Cost Effective

A root canal is also more cost effective than a tooth extraction and dental implant to preserve the bite. Although the initial upfront expense of a root canal procedure might seem higher than an extraction, it’s less expensive than other procedures by eliminating the need for a more expensive tooth replacement option such a dental bridge or dental implant.

Additionally, many dental insurance plans cover a majority portion of the cost of the procedure, whereas insurance plans don’t usually cover dental implants.

Restores Dental Function with a Long-Lasting Solution

After the root canal therapy, the dentist will recommend a dental crown or onlay for the treated tooth. The crown or onlay will be a custom-made cap that covers and protects the tooth, restoring a normal chewing and biting function.

Although no dental procedure can promise permanent outcomes, a root canal offers numerous patients a long-lasting solution. This treatment can last for many years, sometimes even a lifetime. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly to maintain the treated tooth’s longevity.
 

Steps Involved in Root Canal Treatment

Root canal therapy typically involves two dental office visits.

• First appointment
  The dentist examines the tooth after x-rays are taken and determines if it is inflamed, infected, or dead. The x-ray will show the depth and severity of the infection which will help plan the root canal treatment. The infected nerve is then taken out and the canals are cleaned and disinfected. The canals are flushed and cleaned using a cleansing solution and shaped to ensure a smooth surface. A temporary filling is used to medicate the tooth until it’s free from any bacteria. The entire procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
• Second appointment
  On the second visit, signs of re-infection are checked, and a rubber dam is placed to isolate the tooth. The temporary filling is removed, and the root canal procedure is completed by filling the space with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha.  Sometimes a dental post might be required to support a crown if too much of the structure has been destroyed.
• Maintenance and Dental Crown
  After the root canal treatment, a dental crown or onlay is recommended to protect the treated tooth from cracking or fracturing in the future. During the first few days after the procedure, your teeth could be sensitive with slight discomfort. We will prescribe pain medication. It is important to practice proper oral hygiene and maintain regular dental checkups.

 

What Happens If Root Canal Treatment is Not Performed?

• Spread of bacterial infection into the bloodstream and other parts of the body
• Severe bone loss surrounding the tooth leading to tooth loss or extraction
• Loss of natural bite and chewing capability

 

Root Canal Therapy Post Operative Instructions

Experiencing pain, gum soreness, and heightened tooth sensitivity following a root canal procedure is a common occurrence as your body undergoes the healing phase. These symptoms typically fade gradually over several days. Please follow the guidelines below recommended by our dentists to mitigate complications and promote faster healing.

• Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated side after the initial appointment as a temporary filling is set.
• Your dentist will prescribe pain relief medications to help alleviate discomfort and pain.  It is important to start prescribed antibiotics immediately and finish as instructed.   Do not consume any alcohol while taking medications.
• Continue proper hygiene, floss and brush your teeth daily.   Avoid flossing the root canal treated tooth until fully restored.
• Contact our office immediately should you experience symptoms such as fever, persistent pain unalleviated by painkillers, heightened gum swelling, allergic reactions to medications, an irregular bite, or the temporary filling dislodging.