Must know before Root Canal Treatment When a tooth has become infected or severely decayed, it can cause severe pain and swelling. In these cases, patients have two options: extraction of the tooth or a root canal treatment. Extracting a tooth can cause several potential complications, including difficulty chewing, shifting of other teeth, and TMJ pain caused by a change in the bite. Before you decide between root canal treatment or teeth extraction, Australian Dental Health NSW is informing you about following factors about root canal:
Must know before Root Canal Treatment Why do you need root canal treatment?
If one of your teeth is infected, because of decay or trauma to the tooth, root canal treatment is the most comfortable and most affordable option to save the tooth. A root canal is most often the treatment of choice to preserve the natural tooth. A root canal is typically less painful than extraction and carries a shorter recovery time. Most patients state that root canal pain is very similar to the discomfort experienced when having a tooth filled.
How Do I Know if I Need A Root Canal?
Not all types of teeth pain are indications for a root canal. But signs of infection severe enough to require a root canal include: • Serious teeth pain when eating or when you put pressure on the area • Teeth pain and sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the hot or cold stimuli have been removed • A small, pimple-like bump on the gums near the area of teeth pain • Darkening of the tooth • Tenderness or swelling in the gums near the area of teeth pain
Must know before Root Canal Treatment Symptoms of Root Canal Problem: You may need a root canal if: • Temperature-sensitive tooth pain – teeth are very sensitive to hot and cold for a prolonged period • Gums are tender and swelling • Jaw and toothache
Must know before Root Canal Treatment Procedure of Root Canal Treatment:
The root canal itself takes around 30-90 minutes, depending on the patient’s individual needs and the doctor’s experience. The procedure involves six significant steps: • A local anesthetic will be applied to the nerves that lead to the tooth. • A rubber dam will be placed around the tooth to keep the area clean during the treatment • A small hole will be drilled into the tooth. • The infected pulp will be removed. • The root canal space is disinfected. • The Endodontist will then fill the root canal space with a biocompatible material called Gutta Percha. The access cavity will be cover with a temporary material and is referred to as the general dentist for the permanent restoration.
Must know before Root Canal Treatment Is it normal to have pain after root canal treatment? If you were in pain before your root canal, you should notice that the pain is relieved significantly following your procedure. You may notice that the tooth is sensitive in the days following your treatment; this is a normal response to inflammation in the tissue surrounding the tooth and can be managed with over the counter anti-inflammatories and pain relievers.
Must know before Root Canal Treatment How Do We Reduce Root Canal Pain After The Treatment? There are several methods commonly used to treat root canal pain after the procedure. they include: • Ibuprofen • A local numbing agent like “Orajel.” • A cold compress • Salt Water
Must know before Root Canal Treatment Root Canal Recovery During the first week after the root canal, you should experience gradual healing and begin feeling well enough to start resuming normal activities very soon after the procedure. If you do not feel that you are getting better after a week, then you should contact your endodontist.
What Is A Root Canal Infection? In rare cases, the infection from the tooth that has been treated may spread throughout your mouth and into your bloodstream. This could make you very sick and even result in hospitalization. Do not disregard Doctor’s Orders related to personal care after the procedure to avoid such complications.
Must know before Root Canal Treatment What Happen if Root Canal Fails? A root canal is said to “fail” when it becomes re-infected or cannot be completed due to complications. This may be the result of: • Failing to maintain oral hygiene • A crack or leak to the crown that is placed over the treated tooth • The presence of an extra canal – some people have a tiny, extra canal that goes undetected and untreated • An inability to properly navigate the canals • An endodontic tool becoming lodged in the canal while trying to navigate difficult canals.
Must know before Root Canal Treatment
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