How do I know if I need root canal therapy?
Teeth that require endodontic treatment don’t always cause pain and discomfort. Low-grade infections can go undetected, which is why routine dental screenings are important. However, some patients may experience the following symptoms:
- Pain when chewing or biting.
- Throbbing pain that can lessen or intensify.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- Gum tenderness and swelling.
- Pain when chewing or biting down.
- Severe tooth pain on lying down, that gets relieved on drinking cold water or walking around.
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your dentist for an evaluation. Your dentist can diagnose the problem and determine the appropriate treatment.
How is endodontic treatment performed?
Endodontic therapy may be completed in one or more sessions, depending on the severity of the infection. Before starting treatment,if required a local anaesthetic injection will be given to numb the area in and around the tooth to be treated. The decay inside the tooth is first removed.The decay that has deeply progressed into the pulp chamber is also removed. Then the necrosed pulpal contents are removed and the root canals[they are small canals present inside the roots of the teeth where the nerve and blood vessels are present] are thoroughly cleaned. The root canals are then shaped to receive a filling. An inert material is then filled into the root canals and sealed off. The coronal part of the tooth is closed with a temporary material. After two to three days confirming that the patient has no pain or swelling, a permanent restoration is done to the tooth using the cap of the material of your choice. Sometimes if the tooth structure is more damaged support for the cap is taken from within the root canal using a post. This is called a post and core restoration. Teeth treated in this way will help you in chewing and for appearance although they will not have any blood or nerve supply in them.
Is endodontic therapy painful?
Most people say that endodontic therapy doesn’t hurt more than a regular dental filling. After treatment, most patients can return to their normal daily activities. If you need a root canal, it’s likely that you’re already in serious pain. Many patients report that endodontic therapy actually reduces oral pain and discomfort.
What happens after endodontic treatment?
After undergoing endodontic therapy, your teeth may be sensitive for 1 to 2 weeks after treatment. Your gums may be slightly sore or inflamed. It’s best to chew on the opposite side of your mouth for a few days to minimize irritation. Pain or discomfort can usually be controlled using the prescribed medication. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to take care of any remaining infection. Continue following your regular oral hygiene routine. If you experience any problems after endodontic therapy, contact your dentist.
How long do root canals last?
In general, root canal therapy is successful in over 90% of cases. You can make your root canal last longer by completely restoring your tooth with a permanent filling or crown. It’s important to maintain your teeth with a robust dental hygiene program. You can still get a cavity in the restored tooth, even after endodontic treatment.. Therefore, it’s important to schedule routine dental screenings to determine if your teeth are healthy.
How much does endodontic therapy cost?
The cost associated with root canal therapy depends on the severity and location of the infection. In general, endodontic therapy is less expensive that tooth extraction and replacement with a dental implant.
