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Your endodontist has told you that you need root canal treatment, you’re not alone. Millions of teeth are treated and saved each year with root canal, or endodontic, treatment. This will explain root canal treatment in detail and how it can relieve your tooth pain and save your smile.
Endodontic treatment can often be performed in one or two visits and involves the following steps:
Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth.
In addition, an injury to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.
Signs to look for include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, tenderness to touch and chewing, discoloration to the tooth, and swelling, drainage and tenderness in the lymph nodes as well as nearby bone and gum tissues. Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms.
The endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans, and shapes the inside of the root canal, then fills and seals the space. Afterwards, you will return to your general dentist, who will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.
Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure.
For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over the counter or prescription medications.
You should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your general dentist. The unrestored tooth is susceptible to fracture, so you should see your general dentist for a full restoration as soon as possible. Otherwise, you need only practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular checkups and cleanings.
Most endodontically treated teeth last as long as other natural teeth. In a few cases, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment does not heal or the pain continues. Occasionally, the tooth may become painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment. Often when this occurs, redoing the endodontic procedure can save the tooth.
New trauma, deep decay, or a loose, cracked or broken filling can cause new infection in your tooth. Some endodontically treated teeth have missed canals or areas that were not treated during the initial procedure. The endodontist can remove the old material and clean these canals in a procedure called a retreatment.
Most teeth can be treated. Occasionally, a tooth can’t be saved because the root canals are not accessible, the root is severely fractured, the tooth doesn’t have adequate bone support, or the tooth cannot be restored. However, advances endodontics are making it possible to save teeth that even a few years ago would have been lost. When endodontic treatment is not effective. Endodontic surgery may be able to save the tooth.
Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment is completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure or pain that lasts more than a few days, call us at 218-522-4543.
