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In the past, infected teeth were often extracted, but today's advanced root canal techniques allow dentists to save the natural tooth by removing the infected tissue and sealing the root canal.
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Root canal therapy has a high success rate. According to the American Association of Endodontists, more than 90% of root canal procedures are successful.
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Having excessive decay on your tooth is not only painful but also drastically reduces its functionality. Root canal therapy saves the damaged tooth by stopping the infection and preventing further damage.
Mouth bacteria multiply easily and spread to other teeth, infecting their pulps too. A root canal stops the spread of these bacteria by eliminating them so the affected and neighboring teeth can remain strong and healthy.
A root canal helps preserve your jawbone to allow seamless eating and speaking properly and eliminate premature facial wrinkles. It salvages infected teeth before the bacterial infection gets out of hand and necessitates a tooth extraction.
The dentist first conducts a thorough examination of your teeth, starting with a visual inspection followed by an X-ray. This examination determines the extent of the infection and determines whether you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure. They then administer local anesthetic which ensures a pain-free procedure by numbing the region around the infected tooth.
The dentist uses a drill to create a small access point(hole) to get to the pulp. They then carefully remove the infected pulp with a barbed broach. After removing the inflamed pulp, they clean and shape the inside of the canal to remove remaining bacteria and debris and prevent reinfection.
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The dentist will shape the inside of the canals to create room for the filling material. Once shaped, the dentist fills the empty canals with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This seals the root canal to prevent further infection. The dentist then seals the access hole with filling material or a dental crown to restore its functionality.
The dentist will prescribe painkillers to address the post-procedure pain and sensitivity. You can also use a cold ice pack to do the same. You might also have to keep a couple of follow up appointments to check the healing progress and issues with your root canal. Healing takes less than a week.
Pain and slight discomfort are normal after a root canal. Luckily, you can easily manage this with OTC painkillers. The dentist might also prescribe antibiotics if they notice signs of infection.
During this time, remember to follow your dentist’s instructions on root canal aftercare and diet. You’ll want to avoid this hard, sugary, and hot food or they may prolong healing. Lastly, stave off physical activity for at least 48 hours after the procedure.
Some signs that may indicate that you have an infected tooth include a constant ache or a sharp pain when you bite down on something, discoloration, a bad taste in your mouth, bad breath, and pus or other discharge coming from the infected tooth.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will be able to diagnose the problem and provide the appropriate treatment, such as a root canal or extraction.
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