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Root canal treatment is a procedure done to remove infected pulp present within the tooth, cleaning and filling the space with inert material which will prevent re-infection.
Pulp is soft tissue consisting of nerves and blood which is present in the core of the teeth. If pulp becomes infected because of decay, crack or trauma, it cannot repair itself and if not treated pulp becomes dead or irreversibly inflamed. Pulp injury causes sensitivity of tooth to hot and cold temperature. Sometimes there may be pain while chewing and sometimes it shows severe radiating pain to ears, head and jaws. When decay is slow progressing tooth will not show any pain as pulp becomes dead. In such cases, patient will not have any symptoms but suddenly develops pus and swelling.
Root canal treatment can save tooth and eliminate pain and damage to surrounding tissues. Saving natural teeth is better, if possible, because nothing functions as good as natural teeth.
Benefits of RCT :
- Efficient and cost-effective.
- It gives a natural presence.
- Effective chewing.
- Less expensive compared to other replacement options like bridge or implant.
- No need to grind adjacent teeth as for bridge.
- Prolonged life and maintains bone level in the region.
FAQ’s :
1. How painful is a root canal?
People fear root canals because they assume they are painful. Actually, root canal procedures are painless. In some conditions, because of severe infection present in the tooth, anesthesia does not work well. In such cases, patients feel little pain that too for little time till treatment is started.
2. How long does it take to recover from a root canal?
A successful root canal can cause mild pain for a few days. This is temporary, and should go away on its own as long as you practice good oral hygiene. You should see your dentist for a follow-up if the pain lasts longer than three days.
3. How much does root canal treatment cost?
The cost of Root Canal Treatment depends on the complexity of the case, advanced technology used to treat to increase the success rate and experience of the doctor and it may range from 3500/- to 6000/- at smile craft. (Rates are subjected to change based on increase in the price of materials).
4. Is the tooth dead after a root canal?
Yes, tooth will not have any sensation as all nerve and blood tissues will be removed as they will be infected. Function of this tooth will be helping in chewing, maintaining all the teeth in its position and maintaining bone level and providing good esthetics.
5. What are the signs that a root canal is needed?
Teeth pain when eating or when you put pressure on the area. Teeth pain and sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the hot or cold stimuli have been removed. A small, pimple-like bump on the gums near the area of teeth pain. Even if no pain but On X-Ray decay is detected deep involving nerves it should be treated as patient will not have pain because tooth is becoming dead. Patient will develop suddenly swelling and severe pain.
6. Do I need antibiotics after a root canal?
Most of the cases antibiotics are not required. If there is a lot of infection, like patients have swelling or fever because of tooth pain, an antibiotic may be prescribed. Generally only pain killers are sufficient just to control inflammation.
7. Can a tooth hurt after a root canal?
After a root canal is completed, no living nerve tissue remains inside the tooth, but nerve endings remain in the ligaments that attach the tooth to the surrounding bone. These ligaments have nerve fiber associated with them that can feel pain. … Other possible causes of pain are a continued infection or a root fracture.
8. Can I brush my teeth after a root canal?
Expect soreness around the tooth and gum for a few days. … You may brush and floss the treated tooth gently but should not floss if the temporary filling was placed in the space between teeth. Please call our office if you continue to experience the discomfort more than a week after the treatment.
9. Do you have to get a crown after a root canal?
For front teeth, crowns are decided based on whether tooth is discoloured or broken down and become weak.For back teeth, If the tooth had previous damage or is now a lot weaker because all of the pulp has been removed, then a dentist will often put a cap over it to keep it strong so that no further damage happens.
10. What happens if root canal is not done?
If no treatment is done, the infection in the tooth and root can spread to surrounding area of the mouth and tissue spaces leading to swelling, pain and infection. … Once the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected, serious complications can occur if not treated with a root canal.
11. Should I get my tooth pulled or a root canal?
Between a root canal and a tooth extraction, a root canal is often the preferred choice because it works on fixing your natural tooth so that it could remain in place. … If a tooth is far too compromised, your dentist might recommend an extraction, followed by a dental implant to replace what was lost.
12. How long does a root canal last?
Your restored tooth after root canal therapy could last a lifetime, if you continue to care for your teeth and gums. However, regular checkups are necessary. As long as the root(s) of a treated tooth are nourished by the tissues around it, your tooth will remain healthy.
13. What is the failure rate of root canals?
95%
The success rate of root canal treatment is over 95%. However, it is not 100% successful. Sometimes there are complications (like curved roots and calcified root canals) that make it very difficult to successfully complete root canal treatment.
14. How long does a root canal take for one tooth?
A tooth is likely to be treated in one or two appointments. If it is getting a retreatment (being treated a second time) it will take more appointments.
15. What’s cheaper root canal or extraction?
Extraction is cheaper than root canal treatment but to replace a missing tooth after root canal treatment is much expensive then retaining root canal treated tooth.
