A Root Canal Procedure Is Simple Root canals are a very simple, straightforward procedure that you don't have to worry about. The whole procedure is completed under a local anaesthetic which means that the entire area is numb so that you won't feel a thing.
A Root Canal is Like Getting a Filling
This long-term protective shell restores its function and appearance and prevents further bacterial infection. Think of it as a cavity treatment — one that's been severely delayed, which has led to infection at the root of the tooth.
Root canal problems often cause intense tooth pain. The good news is that root canal therapy helps alleviate the pain and doesn't contribute to it. The procedure itself is similar to a dental filling in terms of discomfort, and once you recover, your tooth pain is gone for good!
We encourage you to schedule an appointment with an endodontist to learn more about their practice, possible treatment options, and to gather all the information you may need to feel comfortable. Don't be afraid to ask what to expect during treatment and the recovery process – your questions are valid!
Cons of Having a Root Canal
While root canals are pretty common, there are some drawbacks to having this procedure done. One of those drawbacks is that it might weaken the tooth. Dentists have to drill through the tooth in order to get to the pulp, and additional decay might have to be removed.
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.
On occasion, if the patient is significantly anxious, anxiety medications may be prescribed for before and during the dental procedure. In this type of sedation, valium or Xanax are sometimes given the night before the procedure (such as the root canal procedure).
PAIN MANAGEMENT FOR A ROOT CANAL
Oral sedatives are usually in pill form, something like Valium. A dentist may ask you to take one before the root canal begins. The medication will make the patient drowsy, but they will remain conscious. A medication like Valium will decrease anxiety, as well.
In fact, for many, their stress can affect their teeth so much that they actually end up needing a root canal.
Under normal situations, the long-term success rate for root canal treatment ranges between 80-90% and there is a failure percentage of 10-20%.
In most cases, the sensitivity and discomfort associated with a root canal should go away within a few days. If it does not get better, or if the pain is severe or unrelieved by home measures, it is important to call the endodontist or dentist for an evaluation.
Depending on the circumstances, the dentist might recommend an extraction instead of a root canal. It can be due to the tooth being too damaged or infected to save.
1) Root canals hurt!
Obviously, the expectation of pain is the number one reason root canals are considered to be so torturous. The truth is that root canals should not cause any pain; certainly no more than any other dental procedure. The incorrect belief that root canals are painful arguably stems from two facts.
Although the root canal procedure is frequently referred to as being painful, this is not necessarily the case. The most painful part is often the infection. In fact, many patients often find immediate relief following the procedure.
Take a painkiller before the procedure
Most dentists advise their patients to take ibuprofen a few hours before the treatment starts. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory pain reliever that will help ease any swelling that may occur.
Generally, local anesthesia is used for the procedure to keep the patient awake and comfortable for the duration. Yet, still many people have a great amount of apprehension when it comes to root canal treatment - and those with dental anxiety may require more to get through the procedure. Sedation endodontics can help.
When performing root canals, dentists administer anesthesia in your mouth besides providing antianxiety medications. These medications can have adverse effects on alcohol and tobacco. Therefore the Youngtown dentist recommends not to use alcohol or smoking for at least 24 hours before the procedure.
Root canals are considered to be the most painful because they require removing the nerve tissue on a tooth's root. The removal of the nerve tissue is not only excruciatingly painful but also commonly leads to infection.
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.
Lack of experience - Your dentist may not have enough experience performing root canals and may prefer to refer you to a specialist. Complex cases - Some root canals can be complex, and your dentist may not feel comfortable performing the procedure.
The short answer is no, a tooth that needs a root canal cannot heal itself naturally. The long answer is fairly straightforward. The infected tissue inside a tooth cannot heal by itself and will only get worse over time if left untreated. Even if you experience no pain, you should still seek treatment.
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.