The dentist will determine the need for a root canal through one or several of the following methods: x-rays, the cavity test, selective anesthesia (to identify where the source of pain is when the patient doesn't know), thermal and electric testing, or by tapping on the problem tooth.
In short, when you need a root canal, it may feel like throbbing pain due to infection inside of the root of your tooth. A visible fistula, swelling, or temperature sensitivity might be present. Bacteria can also lead to foul-tasting drainage along the gum tissue near your root.
Swelling and Gum Tenderness
Whether it looks normal with some kind of tenderness, or is an obvious lump that can be easily seen or felt, it often means that root canal surgery is required. In some cases, the swelling can even expand to the patient's face or neck.
In minor cases, cavities can be treated with fillings, but a root canal might be necessary in more severe cases. Unfortunately, due to their similarities and mutual hard-to-reach locations, it can be difficult to assess whether a filling or root canal is required initially.
You must undergo a root canal within a few weeks to fully eliminate the infection and save your tooth. In general, a root canal typically takes about two hours to complete, but it can require subsequent visits depending on the severity of the damage.
Most individuals registering for root canal treatments are between the ages of 35 and 44.
Effect on tooth pulp – Tooth pulp includes the living tissue and nerves inside the tooth. Root canal treatment removes infected pulp. When the dark area on your x-ray isn't near the pulp, you don't need root canal treatment. On an x-ray, it might seem that the dark area is between the filling and tooth pulp.
Root canal therapy is recommended when teeth can be saved with treatment, while an extraction is performed when the tooth's structure is too damaged, or a crack goes beneath the gum's surface, not leaving enough structure for stability or use after the repair.
You may feel a little pressure on your tooth during the procedure but nothing more than that. You'll likely experience mild pain and discomfort for a few days after the procedure. This pain is normal to experience for a bit, and you can manage it with pain medications.
The answer is yes: you can get a root canal while sleeping at our endodontic office on Long Island. There are two types of sedation to help people feel at ease during their root canal procedure. During conscious sedation, the patient remains awake. During unconscious sedation, the patient is put to sleep.
In the past couple of years, the most common root canals I do have been the upper and lower molars, especially second molars. I think there are several reasons for that. The location of the teeth, being far back in the upper and lower arches, make access to them difficult, especially the upper seconds.
A product like Theracal LC can be used in a deep cavity which and regenerate dentin and might be able to prevent root canal. If you want to avoid getting root canals, it is important to routinely see your dentist and fix the problems before they get worse.
The Consequences of Avoiding a Root Canal
If the infection is concerning and left untreated it can cause you to lose your tooth or part of your jaw or even lead to dental abscesses or a life-threatening stroke, sepsis, or heart attack. As the infection progresses so will the pain which will be excruciating.
Tooth Loss
The main purpose of root canal is to remove the decaying or infected part of the tooth and then cleaning and sealing it to prevent any further decay or infection. If this process is delayed, the tooth can not only become more infected but can also result in loss of the entire tooth.
Although the antibiotics minimize the swelling and the infection, it will not heal the tooth. Your symptoms may subside, but they will quickly return if the tooth is not treated with root canal therapy because the source of the issue has not been resolved, such as decay.
If you have a cavity that has reached the nerve tissue, you may experience some or all of the following symptoms: Toothache when pressure (such as chewing) is applied to the tooth. Tooth sensitivity to heat or cold. Discoloration of the tooth.
Root canals are the next step after fillings as they fix what fillings cannot so you do not have to lose your tooth or teeth. Some symptoms of needing a root canal may mirror a filling, but most likely will be more intense and painful.
In the end, it all depends on the tooth
If the tooth is in good condition after a root canal, the dentist may opt to fill it and leave it be, especially if it is a front tooth. In almost all cases, the dentist will recommend that a crown be placed on a molar whose dental pulp has been removed.
Without the defense, the sensitivity you feel becomes a pain. Therefore you must avoid hot and cold foods and beverages. It would help if you went brushing your teeth with warm or cold water to ease the discomfort. However, using a cold compress on your cheeks helps some relief.
How long does root canal recovery take? Typically, root canal recovery time lasts less than a week. Mild discomfort may be present for a few days, but this can be managed with medication. If you have severe pain or discomfort that lasts longer than a week, call your healthcare provider.