We all experience pain in various parts of our bodies from time to time. This is often caused by numerous reasons, such as injuries or strained muscles. That said, one of the most common body pain we tend to experience is toothache.  It’s no secret that toothaches can undoubtedly be extremely frustrating and debilitating.

Having to experience gruesome pain every time you chew your food or brush your teeth can indeed be highly irritating. Luckily, various solutions exist to help rid you of the pain, such as a root canal. However, when do you know that you need to get a root canal? Below is a brief explanation of this treatment and what the process entails.

What Is a Root Canal?

According to the American Association of Endodontists, more than 15 million root canals are performed in America every year. That said, a root canal is simply a treatment procedure that involves the removal of bacteria from your infected root canal. The procedure helps restore your tooth and relieve you of any pain and discomfort.

Usually, the need for this treatment arises when the pulp (the soft, inner part of your tooth) is either injured or infected. Some of the major causes of pulp damage include:

• A crack or chip on your tooth.
• Deep dental decay due to an untreated cavity.
• A tooth injury, which may result from an accident.
• Several dental procedures performed on the same tooth.

What Happens During the Root Canal Process?

This treatment procedure usually takes place in three stages:

• Step 1: Firstly, the dentist injects local anesthesia on the patient’s gum, which prevents them from feeling any pain during the procedure. After this is done, your dentist cleans your root canal by removing any infected or dead pulp tissues.
• Step 2: After cleaning the canal and ensuring that it is decontaminated, your dentist will proceed to fill the hollow area with a rubber-like material. This material is like an adhesive cement that completely seals the canal.
• Step 3: The final step involves the addition of the crown or a filling. This is a highly crucial step since after step two, the tooth is left without a pulp, making it very fragile and brittle. Therefore, a crown or filling helps protect the tooth and make it stronger.

It is important to note that although anesthesia is administered, the patient is usually awake during the whole procedure. Additionally, when it comes to duration, this process is typically completed during one appointment, unless there are other complications.

How Painful Is A Root Canal Procedure?

When it comes to this treatment procedure, most of us tend to be quite reluctant due to fear of the immense pain we imagine the process entails. However, in the competent hands of your dental surgeon, you can be confident that you will experience no pain during the procedure.

This is because the dentist usually injects a numbing agent into your gum close to the infected tooth. Then, he or she will administer anesthesia. These steps ensure that the process is swift and painless.

That said, patients usually experience some pain and soreness after the procedure. However, there is nothing to worry about since this pain is only temporary and can be alleviated by over-the-counter drugs.

The dentist may also prescribe certain antibiotics, which should help prevent and treat any infections.

When Does A Patient Need A Root Canal?

Your dentist is bound to suggest a root canal procedure when your pulp is damaged or infected. Some of the common symptoms of a pulp infection or injury include the following:

• Loose and swollen tooth.
• Constant, throbbing pain that makes it difficult for you to chew.
• A sensation of heat on the gums.
• Extreme tooth sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures.

Once your dentist observes any of these signs, he or she may proceed to carry out multiple tooth X-rays to confirm that your pulp is indeed damaged before prescribing this treatment procedure.

What Are The Pros And Cons of a Root Canal?

Some of the advantages of this endodontic therapy include:

• It protects your teeth from excessive strain or tear.
• The procedure alleviates any pain and makes it possible for you to chew comfortably.
• A root canal gets rid of your tooth infection, thus relieving the inflammation and swelling.
• It improves your teeth’s appearance.
• The process is generally fast and provides long-lasting results.

On the flip-side, some of the downsides associated with this procedure are:

• The treatment may weaken your tooth.
• You will experience some pain and discomfort after the procedure.
• There may be possible discoloration of the treated tooth.

Bottom Line About Root Canals

According to a recent report, the root canal treatment procedure has a success rate of over 95 percent. This goes to show how safe and effective this treatment option is for you. Further, the report states that most root canals can last a lifetime, which is another huge upside.

Therefore, if you require a root canal procedure, do not hesitate to contact us. In the extremely competent hands of our well-trained and board-certified orthodontists, you can be sure that you will receive all the help you need to make an informed decision on the root canal procedure.