Root Canals: What You Need to Know!

What is a Root Canal?

You know, just like plants and trees, our teeth have roots as well buried deep beneath the buried deep beneath the gums in the jawbone. They play a very vital role in holding the teeth in place. If your roots are not healthy, the whole tooth can get weak. So, it’s very important to take care of not just what you see but also what’s underneath. But sometimes, if we don’t take care of our teeth properly, bacteria can sneak in and reach the roots. This can cause pain, swelling, or even an infection. When that happens, a root canal might be needed to clean and save the tooth instead of removing it. A root canal treatment helps deal with this infection. During the procedure, the dentist removes the infected part, which is usually pulp, cleans it out and seals it so bacteria cannot enter. Let’s learn about root canal in this blog post in detail.

Signs You Might Need a Root Canal

When your tooth infection reaches the nerves and soft tissues, it becomes necessary to seek a root canal procedure. Let’s see what the red flags are that indicate you need root canal surgery:

1. There is persistent and sharp pain in the affected tooth.
2. You are experiencing increased sensitivity to hot, cold, and sugary items.
3. Your gums are swollen and tender.
4. In severe cases, there may be pus around the affected tooth.
5. You will tenderness and pain when you chew.
6. There are pimple-like bumps on your gums, filled with pus.
7. The affected tooth is darkened or discolored.
8. Your tooth is becoming loose.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

While a root canal may seem like a painful and last resort kind of option, it’s actually a safe and effective way to save your natural tooth. Here are some benefits of choosing root canal treatment. 

1. The primary benefit of a root canal is that it allows you to keep your natural tooth instead of having it extracted.

2. A root canal eliminates the source of infection, preventing it from spreading to other teeth or parts of your body.

3. Root canal treatment can alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with an infected tooth.

4. By preserving your natural tooth, you can maintain a healthier and more functional smile.

5. Tooth Extraction can lead to more complex procedures, such as dental implants or bridges. A root canal is often a less invasive option.

Root Canal v/s Extraction

Imagine your tooth is a house.

Root Canal: This is like renovating the house. You fix the foundation (the pulp) to keep it strong and sturdy.

Extraction: This is like demolishing the house. You remove the entire tooth.

So, why choose one over the other?

Root Canal: If the damage is fixable, a root canal is usually the better option because it keeps your natural tooth.

Extraction: If the damage is too severe or the tooth is beyond repair, extraction might be necessary.

Think of it this way: A root canal is like saving a historic building. Extraction is like tearing it down.

What happens before and after the procedure?

A root canal is a dental procedure that involves removing infected or inflamed pulp from a tooth and sealing it off. The procedure typically involves numbing the area, accessing the tooth, cleaning and sterilizing the root canals, and filling them with a special material. After the root canal is completed, a temporary crown is placed over the tooth while it heals. A permanent crown will be placed on the tooth later to strengthen it and make it look natural.

7 Common Myths About Root Canals

Root canals often get a bad rap, but many of the misconceptions surrounding them are simply myths. Here are seven common myths about root canals:

Root canals are extremely painful: While root canals can be uncomfortable, they are typically no more painful than a filling. Modern dental techniques and anesthesia make the procedure much less painful than in the past.

Root canals cause more pain later: This is a common misconception. In fact, root canals can often relieve pain caused by an infected tooth.

Root canals are risky: Root canals are actually very safe procedures when performed by a qualified dentist. The risk of complications is low.

Root canals weaken teeth: In fact, root canals can help strengthen a weakened tooth by removing the source of infection and preventing further damage.

Root canals are a temporary fix: When done correctly, root canals can last for many years.

Root canals cause cancer: There is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

Root canals are unnecessary: If a tooth is severely infected or damaged, a root canal may be the only way to save it.

FAQs

1. Is a root canal painful?

While root canals can be uncomfortable, they are typically no more painful than a filling. Modern dental techniques and anesthesia make the procedure much less painful than in the past.

2. What happens if I delay root canal treatment?

If you delay root canal treatment, the infection can worsen and spread to other teeth or parts of your body. This can lead to more severe pain, swelling, and even tooth loss.

3. How can I avoid a root canal?

To avoid a root canal, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist for regular check-ups. Additionally, avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks can help prevent cavities and tooth decay.

4. Can I eat after a root canal?

You may experience some sensitivity or discomfort after a root canal, so it’s best to avoid hot, cold, or chewy foods for a few days. As your tooth heals, you can gradually reintroduce these foods into your diet.

5. How long does a root canal take?

A root canal typically takes between one and three hours, depending on the complexity of the case.

6. Do I need a crown after a root canal?

Yes, a crown is usually necessary after a root canal to strengthen the tooth and protect it from further damage.

7. How long does a root canal last?

Root canals can last for many years, but the lifespan of a root canal can vary depending on factors such as oral hygiene and overall health.

8. Is a root canal covered by insurance?

The coverage for root canals can vary depending on your insurance plan. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to determine your specific coverage.