Millions of teeth which are decayed or infected are treated and saved each year instead of removing it, with the help of root canal treatment, also called endodontic treatment. It relieves pain and makes teeth healthy again. It does so by treating the inside of the teeth i.e. the pulp which contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue and creates the surrounding hard tissues of the tooth during development.
This treatment is done by a general dentist or by an endodontist. An endodontist is a dentist who has received advanced training and specializes in the care of the inside of the tooth i.e. dental pulp or nerve of the tooth, but all dentists receive some training in endodontics as part of their studies. A general dentist typically decides on a per-case basis whether to perform a root canal or refer the patient to an endodontist.
Root canal treatment is very similar to a routine filling and can usually be completed in one or two sittings, depending on the condition of your tooth and your personal appearance. Getting a root canal is relatively painless and extremely effective. You will again start smiling, biting and chewing as you did before in a very short period of time.
Root canal treatment has the following advantages:
- Efficient chewing.
- Normal biting force and sensation.
- Natural appearance.
- Protects other teeth from excessive strain and wear out.
When does it become necessary to go for root canal treatment?
- When the inside of your tooth which is called the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. This is sometimes caused by deep decay, repeated dental procedures, faulty crowns or a crack or chip in the tooth.
- Trauma is another reason which can cause pulp damage even if the tooth does not have any visible chips or cracks.
- One should also keep a check on symptoms such as:
- Severe tooth pain when chewing foods or application of pressure.
- Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold.
- Tenderness to touch and chewing.
- Discoloration of the tooth.
- Swelling, drainage, tenderness near bone and gum tissues.
- A persistent or a recurring pimple on the gums.
The Root Canal Treatment has the following steps:
- The endodontist examines and x-rays the tooth and administers local anesthetic.
- Once the tooth is numb, a small protective sheet called a dental dam is placed over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva.
- An opening is made in the crown of the tooth.
- The inflamed or the infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected.
- It is then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.
- The tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection. This crown is made of gold or porcelain.
- Now the tooth is ready to function just like it is supposed to.
Most treatment gets over in a day. However, at times more than one visit is required. In such circumstances, a temporary filling is placed in the crown opening to protect the tooth between dental visits. In such cases, it is wise to minimize chewing on the tooth under repair. This helps avoid recontaminating the tooth’s interior and also may prevent a fragile tooth from breaking before the tooth can be fully restored.
With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients today feel comfortable during their procedure. Some might feel a little discomfort during the initial few days after the treatment, this can be because of the pain or infection present before the surgery. This discomfort can be relieved with Over the Counter medications or you can speak to your dentist to prescribe you some medications. However, this discomfort should not last for a long time and if it is present for a prolonged period of time then you should consult your dentist without delay.
Hear from Dr. Mohamed Ali about the technique, procedures and his experience with the root canal treatment
Some steps a patient can take to maintain the teeth in good shape after root canal treatment are:
- Regular visits to a dentist for dental exams. This is very important to understand the success of root canal treatment. The dentist would normally compare post-treatment x-rays with the pre-treatment x-rays. This helps him understand whether bone continues to be lost or is being regenerated. The dentist would also do a thorough check of your teeth to see whether there is any threat to your oral care.
- Good personal hygiene should be maintained such as brushing twice a day, flossing, using an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day, using toothpaste which contains fluoride, regularly changing your toothbrush, following a healthy diet, giving up smoking, etc.
- Some reasons for trauma such as sport-related injury should be reduced by wearing a mouth guard.
If proper care is taken, the tooth which has root canal treatment done will last a lifetime, otherwise, it can again lead to tooth decay.
Is Tooth Extraction better or Root Canal Treatment?
A ubiquitous question among several dental patients is whether they should have it pulled or save a tooth? Naturally, it’s to the patient’s advantage to make the best and the most informed choice, because that choice can impact other aspects and possibly require additional dental procedures. Generally considered best to keep your natural teeth. However, various factors will come into making the decision.
A root canal treatment is very often a workable and a practical method of saving a tooth and preventing tooth extraction. A root canal is derived from the cleaning of the root canals within the tooth. The reason for keeping a tooth by way of a root canal treatment is because that natural tooth still offers benefits in your mouth. For example, it can help anchor other neighboring teeth, and it might be required for setting a bridge, where an artificial tooth is secured between two natural teeth. However, in some cases, a tooth cannot be saved. Severe fractures or deep, extensive cavities that prevent the tooth from being saved can result in your dentist’s decision to extract that severely damaged tooth. For instance, a tooth that has a crack that extends well below the gum line often requires extraction.
Your dentist should be able to explain to you the pros and cons regarding the choices of having a tooth extracted or opting for the root canal treatment. The available options, and making the right choice, will depend on several factors specific to the patient.
Tooth extractions and root canals are two procedures dentists can use to treat teeth/tooth that is damaged or infected in some way. Moreover, although comparing root canal vs. extraction can prove to be a difficult decision, learning about both methods can help you choose the right procedure. To ensure your teeth are healthy now and for years to come. After examining your diseased or damaged tooth, your dentist will recommend the most appropriate treatment method based on their professional judgment. Talk to your dentist at Mohamed Ali’s about any concerns you have.
The alternative of root canal treatment such as tooth extraction and replacement with bridge or implants is an expensive affair. Also, these treatments take more time and additional procedures to adjacent teeth and supporting tissues. Whereas root canal treatment takes less time, less money and in contrast to the old age belief, it is less painful too. Root canal treatment helps maintain your natural smile, let’s eat the food you love, and limits the need for constant dental work.
At Dr. Mohamed Ali’s practice, San Francisco, the patient will get the best care from the tremendously talented and caring staff. The latest dental technology is used to ensure that patients achieve excellent results with less pain, more comfort, and less time in the dentist’s chair. At our San Francisco office, Dr. Ali will thoroughly assess your mouth before recommending any treatment for you considering about your dental issues. If required, he might suggest some alternatives which are best suited for your needs. The billing experts will inspect your insurance benefits and will offer you a complete treatment plan with all the necessary arrangements. Every major dental and medical PPO insurance plan are accepted, including Medicare. There is also an in-office Plan for Health for those who don’t have any insurance. Also, we have partnered with various financial institutions like The Lending Club, Care Credit, Healthcare Finance Solutions, to make your treatment extremely affordable. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. So sit, relax, and get sparkling white teeth. If you are ready to boost up your smile, give us a call or visit our website today! You can reach us at 415.391.7751.
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It’s good that you point out that a dentist can use root canal therapy to restore your ability to chew normally when you are suffering from an infected tooth. Two of my molars hurt too much to use them for chewing, so I’m considering going to a dentist for root canal therapy. I’m going to search in my area for a goods dentist that performs root canal therapy.
It’s good that you point out that a root canal can relieve symptoms of severe tooth pain. One of my molars has been hurting a lot lately, so I’m considering going to a dentist to get a root canal. I’m going to look for a good dentist in my area that does root canals.
It’s good that you point out that root canal treatment can help relieve the pain of an infected tooth. One of my molars has been aching a lot, so I’m considering going to a dentist for root canal therapy. I’m going to look for a good dentist in my area that offers root canal services.
My husband has been struggling with swollen gums, and we are looking for advice about how to help him. I liked that you mentioned you need to consider root canal treatment if you noticed swelling or tenderness in your gum tissues. I will let him read your article to help him understand the benefits of root canal treatment.
Thank you. That would be great.
It’s good that you point out that root canal treatment is an effective way to relieve tooth pain. One of my molars has been hurting a lot recently, so I’m considering going to a dentist to get a root canal. I’m going to look for a good dentist in my area that does root canal procedures.
Thank you. All the best for your visit.
It’s good that you point out that getting a root canal is an effective way to relieve tooth pain. One of my molars has been hurting a lot lately, so I’m considering going to a dentist to get a root canal. I’m going to look for a good dentist in my area that does root canals.
Thank you. It would be good to look for a dentist. All the best Nelson.
It’s awesome that you point out that root canal treatment allows you to save a tooth that has become infected. I recently found out that one of my molars is infected, so I’m thinking about going to a dentist for a root canal treatment. I’m going to look for a good dentist in my area that does root canals.
Thank you. It would be good if you would visit a dentist for your infected molar.
It was really helpful when you said that sever pain when chewing is a sign of needing one. For the past couple of weeks, my tooth has been in a lot of pain and gets worse whenever I eat anything and I was wondering if that was a bad sign. I’ll have to look into seeing a dentist about getting a root canal for my tooth so that I can feel better.
Thank you. It would be nice for you to visit your dentist once.
My husband has been suffering from a severe toothache. He is unable to chew food on the side that hurts. Based on your article, it may seem that he has an infected tooth and he might need to consider a root canal. It’s good to know that with a root canal, his original tooth is restored with a crown for protection. He will be relieved to know it’s a one-day treatment. I will ask him to go and consult a dentist fast.
Thank you, that would be good Hazel
I had a root canal three days ago. I had minor discomfort for the next 24 hours. I took ibuprofen first night, and continue to take arnica pellets, and Rescue Remedy. My jaw was tight and gums were tender for two days. I am eating soft foods and feeling much better now. No pain.
It is good that you feel better now.
I had no idea that root canals are practically painless. I always thought they were extremely painful. I need to get one but I have been avoiding it, now that I know it won’t hurt I’ll try and find a dentist that can help me out.
It’s interesting that this article points out that a root canal procedure can help save an infected tooth. I think that one of my molars is infected, so I’m thinking about going to a dentist to get a root canal. I’m going to search in my area for a good dentist that does root canal procedures.
Root canal treatments are essential to take care of infection and remove the teeth along with the nerves completely. Thanks for explaining the advantages and disadvantages of the root canal treatments here. Surely, people will take good decisions after reading this.
Dentistry Lewis Center OH
Thank you.
It’s awesome that you mention that root canal treatment can restore your ability to chew if you have an infected tooth. I have had a hard time chewing food lately due to an infected molar, so I’m considering going to a dentist to get a root canal procedure. I’m going to search for a good dentist in my area who does root canals.
Thank you Jonathan. All the best.
Thanks for sharing detailed information about Root canal treatment. You have shared almost all the things which helps to understand root canal treatment. Recently we write an article Dental implant(http://phoenixdentcare.com/services.html) Hope this will help you.
It’s good to know that a root canal treatment could help save a tooth and prevent tooth extraction, which is beneficial for you since natural tooth still offers the best benefits for your mouth. One of my molar teeth has a huge cavity that hurts a lot. My husband thinks I would need to have it extracted, but hopefully, it could still be saved by a root canal treatment. Thanks for this!