Simply mention the words 'root canal', and almost anyone in earshot gets at least a little bit anxious.
Why is this? What is this dental procedure that strikes such fear? Is this fear even warranted? (It is not.)
Today, we will discuss what exactly a root canal treatment is, when an individual may need one, and why there’s really no reason to be frightful or panicked about this common, straightforward, generally painless but misunderstood dental procedure.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
A root canal is a popular dental procedure in which a tooth´s decayed or otherwise damaged ¨pulp¨ – the nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissue that make up the living part of a tooth – is removed by a dentist or oral surgeon. By removing the damaged pulp, a dentist can halt any decay, prevent further damage, and save a portion of the patient’s natural tooth. Every bit as important in the immediate term is the fact that root canals usually alleviate what is some rather severe pain for the patient.
When Is a Root Canal Necessary?
A root canal becomes necessary when bacteria enter a tooth through an opening, usually a crack or untreated cavity. In these cases, if left untreated, these bacteria can cause infection and inflammation of the dental pulp. This condition, also known as “pulpitis,” is usually characterised by severe and persistent toothache, extreme sensitivity to hot or cold, and jawbone pain. If neglected, pulpitis often results in a dental abscess (a pocket of pus around a tooth), which can ultimately cause tooth loss.
What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?
A root canal procedure begins with the dentist thoroughly examining and cleaning the damaged tooth and the surrounding gum tissue. Once this is done, to ensure a pain-free experience for the patient, the dentist then applies a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth.
Once the tooth and its surrounding area are sufficiently numb, using a series of specialised instruments, the dentist removes the damaged pulp from the tooth, thoroughly cleans the remaining empty space, and seals it with a protective material that both prevents bacteria from re-entering and creates a healthy environment for tissue to grow back.
After a root canal, the patient is typically prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection and advised to use over-the-counter medication as needed to deal with any post-procedure pain. The recovery period after a root canal usually lasts about seven to ten days.
Once recovery is complete and the procedure is determined to be successful, the patient and dentist consider long-term restoration options, typically either filling and sealing off the opening or placing a protective cap, or dental crown, over the remainder of the tooth.
Debunking Some Root Canal Myths
Root canals have been saddled with a bad reputation thanks to certain unfounded or antiquated myths. The most common misconception about root canal treatment is that it’s painful. Not only is this simply not the case, but any discomfort involved with a root canal is almost certainly minimal compared to whatever brought about the need for the procedure in the first place. In reality, thanks to advancements in technology and anesthesia, root canal treatment is usually painless!
Another lesser-heard but equally inaccurate root canal myth is that these procedures cause illness or spread infection. As we just discussed, a properly performed root canal eliminates and prevents infection; it doesn’t invite it!
Finally, there is a belief among some that the extraction of a decayed tooth is preferable to a root canal. This is also false, as root canals often save some portion of the natural tooth, which helps the patient maintain the integrity of their natural bite, supports healthy gums, prevents misalignment among remaining teeth, and provides the stimulation necessary to preserve jawbone density.
A consultation with a dentist will help to definitively dispel these myths. This conversation also gives your dentist a chance to inform you of the benefits of root canal therapy.
The Biggest Benefits of Root Canals
Root canal therapy offers a variety of benefits to a patient’s dental and overall health. Here are some of the most significant:
- Relief from pain, which is usually quite severe
- Maintaining bite alignment and integrity by saving some of the natural tooth
- Preserving proper chewing function
- Preventing remaining adjacent teeth from shifting out of alignment
- Helping to preserve the strength, shape, and aesthetics of a patient’s smile
- Eliminating existing infection and preventing future complications
- Long-term peace of mind, as, with a properly placed dental crown and good post-procedure oral hygiene, results can last for more than a decade!
Root Canal Therapy in Casino, NSW
If you’re in Casino, New South Wales, and would like to learn more about root canals and whether the treatment is an appropriate solution for any discomfort you’re experiencing, dentist Dr Greg Normoyle and the Centre Street Dental team are standing by to arrange a consultation.