A root canal treatment is a standard procedure, and more than 15 million procedures are performed every year, according to the data collected by the American Association of Endodontists. Still, many patients ask: Why are root canals performed? Please read our article to learn more about the cases that require root canal treatment and about the benefits of the procedure.
Why Are Root Canals Performed?
Root canal treatment is a procedure that aims to save a decayed tooth from extraction by removing the infection, reinforcing the tooth’s structure, and restoring its function. Typically, dentists select root canals as the method of treatment when a simple filling is not enough because the decay reaches the inner pulp chamber of the tooth.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment offers significant benefits not only to the tooth that undergoes the procedure but also to your oral health as a whole and the health of your entire body.
- Root canal procedure eliminates the infection in the mouth, meaning that it can not spread to the surrounding teeth and gums.
- By removing the source of the infection, root canal treatment prevents gum disease—a chronic condition of the gums that can lead to tooth loss and jawbone density loss.
- Oral health is closely related to our general health. Thus, by improving your oral health with root canal treatment, you can avoid having issues with such organs as the gastrointestinal system, heart, lungs, and joints. As a result, you might expect improvement in your energy levels and overall quality of life.
The Procedure of a Root Canal Treatment
The procedure of a root canal treatment typically involves several steps:
- The first step is a comprehensive exam and an x-ray or a scan. The results will allow your doctor to see the extent of the decay and prepare for the procedure.
- Before the treatment begins, your doctor will apply a local anesthetic to numb the area of the procedure. If you opt for sedation dentistry, your dentist will also administer the sedative at this time. The anesthetic ensures that the patient feels no pain during the treatment. In some cases, there might be slight discomfort, but most patients do not feel anything.
- Then, your dentist will access the pulp chamber of the tooth through its crown, remove the infected pulp, clean the canals, and fill them with specially designed dental material. In some cases, your doctor will administer an anti-inflammatory medication in the canals of the tooth to prevent reinfection.
- Once the canals are sealed, a dental crown might be put on top of the tooth if it has been significantly weakened by the decay and requires additional support and reinforcement.
Recovery After a Root Canal Treatment
The recovery process after a root canal treatment typically takes several days. Once the anesthetic wears out, you can expect to experience some soreness or pain in the tooth in question or the surrounding gum tissue. These sensations are normal and will go away shortly. You can also use over-the-counter painkillers to relieve the pain. However, if you experience severe pain for more than one to two days or if the pain is getting stronger, contact your dentist.
You might also experience swelling during the recovery period. It can be remedied with ice pack applications to the outer side of your cheek. Hold an ice pack to your face for 15 minutes at a time and take at least 30-minute breaks in between applications. In addition, keep your head alleviated during the night by using an additional pillow.
Take several days off strenuous activities, such as sports, that might increase blood flow to the procedure site, causing pain. Also, try to avoid chewing food on the side of the procedure, and do not eat immediately after the procedure while the anesthetic is still working. Your dentist will likely recommend you switch to a soft diet for a couple of days after the treatment, avoiding crunchy, sticky, and hard foods.
Most importantly, maintain thorough oral hygiene every day by brushing and flossing your teeth. However, be careful when brushing and flossing at the treatment site.
Make an Appointment Today
If you have tooth decay, do not postpone making an appointment with a general dentist in Fontana. Highly qualified specialists at Smile Studio Fontana will conduct all the necessary examinations to make sure we can offer you the best course of treatment to restore your oral and general health. We are looking forward to welcoming you and your family to our dental office.