Root Canal Treatment
A root canal is a procedure where your dentist removes any decay, bacteria and nerves from the interior of a damaged tooth.
In order to alleviate pain caused by damaged nerves, and to save an infected tooth, a root canal procedure is performed. This procedure can help to save the natural tooth and prevent the need for a tooth extraction.
Alternatives to Root Canal Treatment
The only real alternative to a root canal is most likely a tooth extraction where your dentist removes a tooth from its socket in the bone.
If you have a tooth extracted, you will then most likely require a tooth replacement (such as a bridge, crown, implant, or removable partial denture) to restore chewing function and prevent surrounding teeth from shifting and causing additional problems for your oral health.
Tooth extraction is typically more expensive than a root canal and necessitates more treatment time as well as additional procedures on the teeth and tissues in the surrounding area.
Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?
It is critical to understand that if you need a root canal, the pain you experience is likely not caused by the root canal procedure, but rather by the infection in the tooth nerves. In fact, the root canal procedure will, in the vast majority of cases, eliminate the discomfort because your dentist will remove all of the nerves during the procedure. If a root canal is not performed, the infected tooth will most likely continue to cause pain and may eventually lead to more serious complications in the future.
just like when you get a filling, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to perform your root canal, which means you will likely experience very little discomfort during the procedure.
What Is The Process Behind a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal is a common, routine procedure that can be performed by a general dentist. With the help of numbing medicine, you probably won't experience any severe pain, and some patients compare the procedure to getting a dental filling.
First, your dentist will remove the diseased tissue from the tooth, clean and disinfect the inner chamber, and then fill them with medication to prevent infection. To finish the procedure, the tooth is generally sealed or capped with a dental crown.
You might experience some mild post-procedure discomfort, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medicine. In most cases, this pain should subside within a few days.
Are There Ways to Avoid Needing a Root Canal?
One of the best ways to help avoid the need for a root canal is to practice good oral hygiene routines. This includes brushing twice daily and flossing once daily, in addition to attending regular hygiene cleanings and exams at your dentist's office.