Root canal, or commonly known as endodontics, is the clearing of infections affecting the dental pulp. The procedure is considered the last resort for a severely decayed or infected tooth. Many people associate RCT dental with severe pain, but we can assure you that the procedure is pain-free. Sedation has made it possible to undergo teeth restoration procedures without feeling pain. This blog will discuss the root canal procedure in detail to help you make an informed decision about it.
When is Endodontic Treatment Used?
Typically, a root canal is only used to treat infections affecting the dental pulp. If the infection affects the dental pulp, it causes a lot of pain and discomfort. If you wait for too long before getting treatment, the infection eats away the tooth such that that it cannot be saved. If the root canal cannot clear the infection on the target tooth, it may have to be extracted to prevent the spread of the infection.
Signs that You Might Need Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment has been used to save thousands of infected teeth. However, it is paramount that the infection is noticed at the right time to increase the chances of saving the tooth. For that reason, be on the lookout for the following early signs that might indicate the necessity for a root canal.
- Gum disease
- Extreme sensitivity to cold and hot foods or drinks
- Jaw pain
- Sinus congestion causing pain.
- Abscessed teeth, especially if it leads to swelling or bleeding
- Dental trauma extending to the root of the tooth
- Deep cavity extending to the pulp
- Tooth fracture.
If you experience any of these signs, book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. The earlier you get a diagnosis, the better the chances of getting treatment without having to lose your natural tooth. You can count on us if you are looking for an endodontist near you in Oak Lawn. We assure you of services of the highest quality.
Endodontic Treatment Procedure
The RCT dental procedure is usually completed in several steps. The typical steps are as follows:
Deep Cleaning
First, the dentist will give you oral sedation about an hour or so before the beginning of the procedure. This is because oral sedation takes time before it takes effect. Then, he will remove everything from the root canal, including the infection, disease, and dead tissues. He does this by making a hole on the tooth’s surface.
Filling the Root Canal
After deep cleaning the root canal with special cleaning solutions, he will fill the hole with a rubber-like material. At this point, the tooth is technically dead. You should be very careful with it because it is more vulnerable than ever. Typically, it can’t even pain if it is broken. You must wait until the dentist adds a temporary crown before using it.
Adding of the Crown
The dentist adds the crown to strengthen the tooth so you can continue using it as usual. Typically, he will add a temporary crown (stainless steel) as the permanent crown is being prepared in the dental lab. In most cases, the preparation takes between one and two weeks. After that, the dentist will schedule an appointment for placement. The placement procedure is done in one visit, but it can take more if you have multi-canals.
Can Root Canal Fail?
Generally, endodontic treatment is very safe and successful. However, it is not perfect. There is still a chance of root canal failure. In most cases, it happens if the dentist fails to notice all the root canals on the target tooth. This means the infection continues spreading even after treatment.
Furthermore, if the dentist does not fill the hole appropriately, the risk of infection return increases drastically. Some signs of root canal failure include:
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Discharge from the affected tooth
- Uncontrollable swelling
- Uncontrollable pain that won’t go away even after taking painkillers for days.
- Boil on the jaw.
The risk of root canal failure is very low, though. You just need to find yourself an experienced dentist. You can count on us if you are looking for an experienced dentist in Oak Lawn, IL.
Endodontic Treatment Cost
Some people have been led to believe that endodontic treatment is super expensive. For that reason, they prefer extracting. A root canal is not expensive, though. Furthermore, saving your natural tooth should always be the priority.
