What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure performed when the inside of the tooth is either dead or it has bacteria that has made it unhealthy. This can lead to the spread of bacteria around the roots of the teeth, causing infections and health problems. A root canal involves cleaning out bacteria from the center of a tooth so that the tooth can be fixed and kept functional for chewing and biting.
What are the signs that I might need a root canal treatment?
Signs that you might need a root canal include infection, pain, or large swelling around a tooth. These symptoms can indicate that the root of the tooth is unhealthy and the nerve inside the tooth is malfunctioning. Another situation is when the nerve has died in the tooth and a small infection has started. This might not come with a lot of symptoms, so you might need a root canal even if that tooth doesn't have pain and it's not seemingly malfunctioning. Even without outward signs of infection, if the infection has started at the root tip, it's a good idea to get a root canal to prevent future infection and to prevent it from spreading.
What can happen if I don't get a root canal?
If you need a root canal but don't get one, the bacteria and dead nerves can slowly build up and spread, causing damage to the bone and potentially leading to loosening or fracture of the tooth. The infection can also spread to the surrounding tissues.
What type of dentists perform root canals?
Root canals can be performed by either a regular dentist, a general dentist, or a root canal specialist. If your tooth is complex, your general dentist might refer you to a specialist. However, most root canals are simple and straightforward and are completed at your regular dentist's office.
Do patients prefer root canals or implants?
Whether a patient prefers a root canal or an implant is a personal preference and can also depend on the dentist's recommendation. If the root of the tooth is strong and healthy, a root canal might be the best option. However, if the tooth is severely broken down or has lost some bone around it, your dentist might recommend replacing it with an implant.
Do root canals save teeth?
Absolutely, root canals save teeth all the time. The key is to ensure that the tooth is worth saving, has a good foundation, good bone around it, and is not too broken down. If that's the case, a root canal can be an excellent method to save a tooth.
What are the stages of root canal treatment?
The stages of root canal treatment include removing the infection, disinfecting the tooth, and ensuring no bacteria is left over. The final step is putting the final sealer or filler inside to prevent anything, especially bacteria, from getting back in.
What should be done after undergoing a root canal?
After undergoing a root canal, it's important to take it easy and not overdo it. Additionally, the tooth needs to be protected, often with a crown or a cap, especially if it had an opening in order to perform the root canal that compromised its structure. This should be done as soon as possible.
What if my tooth hurts after a root canal?
If your tooth hurts after a root canal, it's likely due to the nerves around the tooth from the outside world. Once the inflammation settles down and the irritation from the dental work subsides, the pain usually goes away.
Does insurance cover root canals?
Insurance usually does a good job of covering root canals. The percentage they pay can vary and is a detail of your insurance plan with your employer or wherever you get your insurance.
If you suspect that you have a malfunctioning nerve or if something's not quite right with your tooth, it's best to get it checked out. Root canals are a common and often necessary dental procedure that can save your teeth and prevent further infection and damage.