Preserving your natural teeth is important for oral health. If you have an infected tooth, the infection can spread to nearby tissues and can result in losing the tooth. Through a root canal, you can remove the infected pulp and save the tooth from further damage. The process includes cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth and filling and sealing the tooth with gutta-percha. In this blog we will discuss root canal treatment in detail, including its signs and symptoms.

What is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal treatment is a dental practice of removing the pulp from an infected tooth which is then cleaned, disinfected, filled, and sealed. The treatment helps to remove bacterial infection from the root canal and prevent reinfection of the tooth. You can save your natural tooth with root canal treatment which enables you to chew efficiently and gives you normal biting force and sensation. It also gives your tooth a natural appearance and helps to avoid excessive strain on other teeth.

The root canal is not as painful as you think as you are given anesthesia before the treatment. But it can cause some discomfort for a few days. However, the numbness will be gone within 2-4 hours and it is advised not to eat until it is fully gone.

Signs and Symptoms you might need a Root Canal Treatment

The signs and symptoms of a root canal are:

1. Persistent tooth pain – Constant and recurring tooth pain may be an indication of infection in the pulp.
2. Sensitivity to hot and cold – Long-lasting sensitivity even after the use of hot or cold substances may be a sign of nerve damage. 
3. Tooth discoloration – A darkened or grayish tooth can be a sign of pulp damage.
4. Swollen or tender gums – Swelling near a painful tooth may indicate the infection spreading to the gum.
5. Pain when chewing or touching the tooth – Increased pain can be a sign of a pulp infection.
6. A cracked or chipped tooth – This can expose the pulp to bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.
7. Recurring pimples on the gums (Abscess) – This small, recurring pimple may indicate a serious infection causing pus buildup.

 When to See Your Dentist?

The above-mentioned symptoms are signs indicating the need to consult a dentist. If you notice your tooth is sensitive to hot or cold sensations, you need a root canal. Ignoring these early signs of sensitivity can lead to severe complications. These signs may indicate an infection in the tooth pulp. Delaying treatment can allow infection to spread, resulting in more complex procedures or even tooth loss. Consulting an endodontist at an early stage can prevent further damage and save the tooth.

What Happens during a Root Canal?

Root canal treatment steps include:

1. The doctor gives you an anesthesia injection to numb your infected tooth and nearby gums.
2. Then they apply a dental dam over your infected tooth and nearby gums.
3. The doctor will drill a small hole in your tooth and use dental instruments to remove the pulp from the tooth.
4. After removing the pulp they clean and disinfect your pulp chamber and root canal.
5. Then the doctor fills the pulp chamber and root canals with a thermoplastic material called gutta-percha.
6. Afterwards they fill the tooth with a temporary dental filling.
7. Finally the doctor places a dental crown on your treated tooth.

What Happens if you Delay Treatment?

If you pretend not to see the reason for a root canal, it can have an adverse effect on your oral health. It can worsen infection resulting in abscess formation around the tooth root. Over time, this can destroy the surrounding bone, increase pain, and ultimately cause tooth loss. This can worsen the situation and make treatment costly.

Also, an untreated dental infection can spread to other parts of the body, affecting the heart, lungs, and other vital systems. Early treatment can prevent these health risks.

How much does a Root Canal Cost?

The cost of root canal treatment depends on various factors such as the complexity of the problem and the tooth that is affected (whether it is a front tooth, premolar, or molar). As molars are difficult to treat, the cost is comparatively high. This cost may increase if you need additional treatments like a crown after the root canal.

Conclusion

In this blog, we have discussed root canal treatment and its related aspects. A root canal treatment is performed to remove the infected pulp from the inside of the teeth and thereby prevent the infection from spreading. Symptoms like prolonged pain, swelling, or sensitivity to hot and cold denote the need for undergoing a root canal. It is time to see a dentist or better yet, consult a dentist, who specializes in root canal treatments. The cost of the treatment depends upon the tooth affected. Delaying the treatment can lead to the spreading of the infection, resulting in damage to the teeth. This can cause other health risks too.