What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is the process of removing diseased tissue or infected tissue from inside the root of the tooth and sealing the space that it occupied. This procedure is often done on the back teeth or the molars which have four or five canal spaces. Without the use of a microscope or specialized equipment, the treatment can become complex and time consuming which is why general dentists often refer people who need this procedure to specialists.
If you’re suffering from diseased or infected tissue inside your tooth, pain and discomfort can reach acute levels. The good thing about having a root canal done is that relief is instantaneous. But there are bad things that you’ll hear about this procedure too, including the following:
• The fee ranges from $570 to $1000, depending on the number of canals that will require therapy and the level of complexity.
In some cases, you might be asked to come back in two months for a follow-up x-ray just to make sure that you are healing properly. Don’t worry; the x-ray that we use is one of the latest models and only has minimal radiation. For most patients, it’s only a matter of removing the infected tooth pulp and letting the body heal itself naturally.
How do you know if you need a Root Canal?
There are a few symptoms that you can watch out for to see if you need a root canal or not. Some of these symptoms include:
• Your teeth experiences lingering sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• You feel discomfort when you’re chewing or biting
• You experience a dull ache in your teeth
• You experience discomfort in your teeth that wakes you up at night
• Your dentist referred you for endodontic treatment based on the results of a clinical exam or an x-ray
If you are experiencing some of the symptoms that are shown above, you could be a candidate for getting a root canal. It would be best to call and schedule an appointment.
What exactly happens in a Root Canal procedure?
First, Dr. Noel Fuller examines the x-ray and the tooth. An anaesthetic is then administered. When the tooth is already numb, a dental-dam (a small protective sheet) is placed to isolate the tooth. A small opening will then be made in the crown of the tooth, after which a small instrument will be used to clean the canal and shape the spaces in preparation for a filling. Once the canals have been properly cleaned and shaped, they will then be filled with a rubber-like material called a “gutta-percha” and sealer. A temporary filling will be used to close the opening which will be removed before the tooth is restored.
Does a Root Canal hurt?
Using modern techniques and anaesthetics, a root canal can be done much faster and with a lot less discomfort. During the first few days of treatment, your tooth might be a little sensitive when you use it for biting but the discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medication.
How soon can I feel the positive effects of a Root Canal?
For most patients, the discomfort caused by an infected or diseased tooth can be alleviated by a root canal within 24 to 48 hours. The discomfort usually subsides dramatically and any sensitivity to cold, heat or even breathing air in will be gone after the procedure.
You might still experience a mild discomfort to pressure even after a root canal but this only lasts for a few days after treatment. This normal post-treatment discomfort is also easily dealt with using over-the-counter medication like aspirin, Advil, Motrin or Aleve. Tylenol is less effective than aspirin because it doesn’t have an anti-inflammatory component.
Patients most commonly complain about tenderness to the touch, bite, tapping or chewing. Dentists usually recommended that patients refrain from doing any of these activities until the tooth has been permanently restored.
What are the benefits of getting a Root Canal over a tooth extraction?
The foremost benefit of getting a root canal over just having your tooth removed is that you get to keep your tooth. Extraction may also lead to other dental problems, like drifting of teeth, bite problems and TMJ discomfort. Adjacent teeth may also need treatment that they would not otherwise need in the process of restoring the missing tooth. While modern tooth replacements can already be very effective, nothing works as well as your natural tooth.
