Each year, general dentists perform many root canal procedures to treat infections from within the tooth’s pulp caused by cracks or deep cavities. It’s essential to note that root canals are more common than people realize, with millions of procedures performed annually within the clinical endodontics industry.
If you notice something like a boil, swelling, or feel pain in your gums, it may be a good time to visit our dentist at Studio Smiles NYC. So, what is a root canal procedure? What should you expect? How do you prepare for the root canal procedure? This article provides all the answers you need.
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal treatment, also known as root canal therapy, endodontic treatment, or endodontic therapy, is performed to remove infected soft tissue, called pulp, from the root canal. By the way, a pulp is a spongy material or soft tissue that contains the nerve tissue of your tooth, connective tissue, and blood vessels, and can be found inside the roots of your teeth. This spongy material can become inflamed or infected for various reasons, such as deep decay. If left untreated, it can cause the infected tooth to become very painful.
Additionally, if left untreated, the infection can spread to the bones supporting your other teeth, potentially leading to a more severe issue. Root canal treatment is typically performed by endodontists or general dentists. While there is a common myth that a root canal is extremely painful, the root canal procedure is often described as easier and less painful than in the past, with only mild discomfort, thanks to improved techniques and anesthetic administration.
What are the Signs You Need a Root Canal Procedure?
There are several signs that may indicate the need for root canal therapy. For instance, if you have a cracked tooth due to genetics or injury, issues from an earlier filling, deep decay, or a deep cavity, you may require root canal therapy. Usually, when you notice that most teeth are sensitive, especially to cold and hot sensations, you may need to undergo a root canal procedure. There are generally some symptoms that show you may need a root canal. These include:
- A swollen jaw caused by infection
- Pain or sensitivity when touching the tooth or chewing.
- A boil or pimple on your gums that may bring out pus.
- Swollen or tender gums
- A loose tooth caused by infection affecting the nearby bone
- Pain that radiates to nearby teeth, face, or jaw
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to visit our endodontist, as endodontic treatment not only relieves pain but also saves teeth and prevents the infection from spreading to neighboring teeth.
Endodontic Treatment: What to Expect from Root Canal Therapy
Now that you know you need a root canal treatment, how do you prepare, and what should you expect during the procedure? Before the commencement of your treatment, our dentist at Studio Smiles NYC will take X-rays to assess your other teeth and any potential tooth infections. They may check for swelling around your gums and bone, and use an electric pulp test to check if the pulp is alive without affecting the blood vessels and connective tissue.
They may also apply a cold/hot item to check for sensitivity. The dentist will also ask if you experience pain when biting down on the tooth. After the preliminary examination, you will be booked for the root canal procedure. The root canal treatment takes around 60 to 90 minutes and is an outpatient procedure.
Steps Involved in the Dental Procedure at Studio Smiles NYC
- Our dentist will administer local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the root canal procedure. Before they start the treatment, they will isolate the tooth by using a thin sheet of latex, plastic, or rubber called a dental dam to dry the tooth and keep it dry throughout the procedure.
- Next, they will make a small opening at the top of your tooth to get to the pulp chamber. Our dentist will then carefully remove the remaining pulp from the pulp chamber and root canal. Next, they will clean and shape the root canal to prepare it for filling.
- After this, the endodontist may place a temporary filling at the top of the tooth to prevent saliva from entering the root canals and the chamber. They may also prepare the tooth for a permanent filling immediately.
- Now, if there’s an infection that has spread beyond the root-filled teeth, you may need to take prescribed antibiotics to treat this.
- After the infection has been cleared, the next stage is to place the permanent filling. For this, the dentist at Studio Smiles NYC will place a dental dam to keep the tooth dry and protected. If they previously placed a temporary filling, it will be removed, and the root canals will be filled with gutta-percha.
- Next, they will restore your tooth with a permanent filling or dental crown to strengthen and enhance its appearance without removing the gutta-percha.
Root Canal Pain and Recovery: What to Expect
Does a root canal hurt? Well, not as much as you imagined. Thanks to modern anesthesia, the pain from root canals is similar to what you experience when getting a filling. Of course, you may feel pressure during the treatment and slight soreness afterward, but that’s mostly all there is to it. If you experience any pain during the procedure, please notify our endodontist. If your tooth hurts more afterward or you feel throbbing pain, contact our dentist, as this may be a sign of an infected pulp chamber that requires treatment.
Recovery from a root canal procedure is typically rapid, with most patients returning to normal within a week after the procedure. Although you may experience some lingering sensitivity, you should not experience any pain that lasts longer. If you do, please contact our dentist.
Simple Tips to Help Your Treated Tooth Heal Fast
- Stop smoking, as this can slow down the healing process.
- Eat soft foods like smoothies, well-cooked pasta, yogurt, or mashed potatoes for a few days after the root canal treatment.
- Brush after each meal and floss at least once a day.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to protect your teeth from germs.
- Do not chew on the treated tooth until our dentist places the permanent crown.
Root Canal Cost: How Much Should You Budget for Your Treated Tooth?
The cost of root canal treatment varies and depends on several factors. For one, the complexity of the infected pulp and infected tooth will determine the cost. For example, the treatment of molars is more complex, which affects the cost. Most dental insurance policies provide some coverage for root canal treatment.
Essentially, this dental procedure and restoration of the natural tooth are less expensive than having your tooth extracted. In fact, if you have to extract an affected tooth, there must be a replacement with a bridge or an implant to stop adjacent teeth from shifting and to restore the chewing function of your tooth. These procedures often cost more than root canal treatment.
Top Myths and Facts about Tooth Root Canal Treatment
Many people experience fear and anxiety when they think of getting endodontic treatment. The reason for this is simple – an assumption that it is very painful and uncomfortable. But what is really the truth about this treatment? Let’s examine some myths and facts related to endodontic treatment.
Myth 1: Root canals are Painful
This is a common myth about endodontic treatment. Modern techniques and local anesthesia have helped make root canals less painful. The sensation you feel during the root canal therapy is similar to what you feel when getting a dental filling. Additionally, general dentists and endodontists are well-equipped to manage tooth pain and can often prevent severe pain before it even begins.
Myth 2: Root canal is not possible when you have an infection
The actual truth is that when you have pain from an infected pulp or infected tooth, a root canal is often the best course of treatment. This is because the root canal therapy will reduce the pain and treat the infected tooth. Additionally, when tooth damage has spread to the pulp, causing inflammation or infection, or affected the outer layers of the enamel, endodontic treatment is often the procedure of choice.
Myth 3: You need many long appointments for root canals
This is a myth because most root canals are carried out in a single visit and can be completed in under 60 to 90 minutes, except in cases of severe tooth infections. Even at that, you may not require more than two visits to our dentist’s office.
Myth 4: You can fall sick after a root canal
This myth stemmed from a century-old faulty research study that has long been refuted. The misinformation that root canal treatment can make you sick is false, and there is no scientific evidence that links root canal treatment to any disease development in other body parts.
Myth 5: Tooth extraction is better than endodontic therapy
It is not advisable to remove an infected tooth without replacing it with an implant, because the tooth extracted can affect your bite, and the remaining teeth can shift. Usually, the perfect solution is to preserve your natural tooth, but when this is not possible, root canal treatment is a good option. It has a high success rate and can last a lifetime. Tooth extraction and replacement of the natural tooth with an implant also have a high success rate, but it requires more time and is more expensive.
How to Prevent the Need for a Root Canal and Maintain Your Natural Tooth
Caring for your teeth and maintaining dental hygiene are the best ways to prevent the need for a root canal. The following are some tips to reduce the chance of requiring a root canal:
Tip #1: Brush your teeth twice daily
This is the basic of dental hygiene, and it can go a long way to prevent the need for endodontic treatment or other extensive dental work. Create a routine of brushing in the morning and evening to maintain good dental hygiene.
Tip #2: Floss Once Daily
This is another important aspect of oral health. Flossing helps to remove food particles from between your teeth, and removing these can eliminate bacteria buildup and reduce your chances of getting cavities.
Tip #3: Clean your tongue
Make brushing your tongue a part of the teeth-brushing process, as this will also affect your overall hygiene. Brushing your tongue removes the buildup of dirt, reduces your risk of cavities, and can also eliminate bacteria.
Tip #4: Drink Plenty of Water
Water not only keeps your mouth rinsed, but it also helps you to produce more saliva, which can protect your teeth. You may want to consider drinking tap water instead of bottled water because it contains more fluoride, which can help prevent cavities and promote overall health.
Tip #5: Reduce Acidic Drinks and Foods
Acid can weaken your enamel and make your teeth susceptible to damage. Although some acidic drinks and foods have nutritional benefits, it’s important to reduce or totally avoid some of them. For example, avoid citrus juices and carbonated drinks as much as possible, as they can wear out your enamel. Also, acidic drinks are often sweetened, and this feeds bacteria and destroys your enamel.
Final Thoughts
Root canal treatment is a top recommendation for patients with pulp issues instead of outright tooth extraction. An endodontically treated tooth can last a lifetime, especially if you maintain proper oral health. Therefore, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our dentist at Studio Smiles NYC for regular dental checkups, especially if you have a weakened tooth or if you are experiencing difficulty with normal biting force. Earlier detection and treatment can save your diseased tooth and other teeth.