What is a Root Canal?
Root canal therapy aims to cleanse the bacteria from your infected root canal, so the infection doesn’t come back, and you can keep your natural tooth. We need to do a root canal when the inflamed or infected pulp needs to be removed. This procedure entails cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth before filling and sealing it.
What are the signs of needing a root canal?
A root canal might be necessary if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Sharp pain while chewing or biting
- Pimples on the gums
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers even after the sensation has been removed.
- Swollen or tender gums
- Deep decay or darkening of the gums
Will I feel pain during or after the root canal?
Most endodontic procedures aim to soothe the pain that comes from an irritated or infected tooth. Most patients report being comfortable with current anesthesia and pain management methods.
After your treatment, you may experience a few days of sensitivity in the tooth. This is normal, especially if pain or infection is present before the procedure. The pain and discomfort can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Follow your dentist’s instructions carefully.
After completing your endodontic treatment, your tooth may feel slightly different from your other teeth. If you experience severe pain or pressure lasting longer than a few days, it is best to call your dentist.
How much will the root canal procedure cost?
The price you pay for this dental procedure will be based on the severity of the issue and which tooth is involved. For example, molars are generally more challenging to treat and require a higher fee. Many dental insurance policies cover some, if not all, of the cost of endodontic treatment.
In general, root canal therapy costs less than extracting the tooth. If a tooth is removed, an implant or bridge must be put in place to support the teeth on either side and enable chewing. These alternative procedures can often cost more than endodontic treatment and restoration.
After the procedure, will the tooth need any special care or additional treatments?
Do not damage the treated tooth by biting or chewing on it until your dentist can fix it. If you leave your tooth unrestored, it is more likely to fracture, so you should schedule a meeting with your dentist for a full restoration. Good oral hygiene, which includes brushing and flossing daily and regular checkups and cleanings, is crucial for keeping your teeth healthy.
What can I eat after a root canal?
Once you’ve had a root canal, try to stick to softer foods that don’t require much chewing. Be careful when consuming hard or hot foods to prevent cavities or tooth pain. Some dentists recommend not eating for a few hours until the numbness from dental work fades so you don’t accidentally bite your cheek or tongue.
Does a root canal kill the tooth?
The purpose of a root canal is to remove the diseased tissue from inside the tooth while keeping the tooth alive. In fact, after a successful root canal procedure, your treated tooth will return to work just like it did before you had any issues. Although root canals remove the nerves inside a tooth, these nerves are not essential for a fully formed tooth.
