What is root canal treatment

Each of the roots of your teeth contains a root canal system.

If neglected, a tooth root infection can destroy the tooth permanently and potentially spread to other body regions.

 

The endodontic operation known as a "root canal," also known as a "root filling" or simply "a root canal," entails drilling directly within the tooth to remove infection and decay that have spread deep within the roots.

 

An endodontist, a dentist who focuses on treating the inside of teeth, or a regular dentist may carry out this work.

 

After the root has been taken care of, the tooth is filled to protect the remaining tooth by sealing the root and root canal.

Healthy teeth are less brittle than teeth that have had root canal therapy.

Therefore, in order to help stop additional damage, your dentist can advise placing a dental crown. 

 

The structure of teeth 

 

Let's look at the structure of a tooth before we go into the specifics of what this process entails.

The area that protrudes over the gum line is known as the crown.

The root is the area below the gum line, and the neck is the area just above the gum line.

A tooth's root may extend twice as far as the crown.

 

Teeth typically have up to four root canals each because a root might split into two canals.

One tooth has occasionally been found to contain six or seven roots!

 

Enamel is the firm, white layer that covers the outside of the tooth crown.

You must take care of this area by brushing and flossing every day.

Dental caries can be caused by an accumulation of microorganisms on the teeth as a result of poor oral hygiene (tooth decay).

 

Even a tiny amount of enamel erosion from dental decay makes the remaining tooth vulnerable to infection.

Bacteria can swiftly move down the tooth root(s) through the root canal system once they begin to eat away at the delicate dental pulp inside the tooth.

It can then travel from here to the nearby bone and gum tissue.

 

An oral abscess is prone to develop if root canal infections are left untreated. 

 

When do you require a root canal? 

 

An infected root canal typically develops gradually as a result of untreated tooth decay that has caused pulpitis.

A tooth is more likely to develop a root infection if it has had several restorative operations or if a crown or filling is defective or loose.

In some circumstances, the infection may spread more quickly, as would be the case if you sustain trauma or receive a broken or chipped tooth.

 

Your dentist should be able to see and treat any tooth decay if you receive routine dental exams before it spreads to the root system.

To save the tooth, you may need root canal therapy if you haven't seen the dentist in a while because the infection may have already progressed.

 

What are the telltale signs and symptoms of a tooth infection requiring a root canal?

 

Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets, pain, swelling, pain with pressure or biting, and a poor taste in the mouth are all signs that the pulp of the tooth has been infected.

However, occasionally there are no symptoms to be found, and you might not be aware of any issues until a checkup.

(This is only one of many good reasons to schedule and attend your 6-month appointments.)

These cleanings and checks for your teeth help stop minor disorders from growing into major ones.

 

Not all tooth pain necessitates a root canal, so keep that in mind.

Your body will try to alert you if it is in pain if something is wrong.

If you detect anything unusual with your teeth or mouth, call and schedule an appointment with your dentist. 

 

Signs of a root canal infection 

 

Initial indications of a root canal need include: 

• You endure pain when ingesting hot or cold food and drink because you have sensitive teeth.
• To bite down causes pain.
• Your tooth is crooked.

 

These root canal symptoms could eventually go away if you don't pay attention to them.

You can no longer feel the infection because the nerves in the dental pulp were damaged, not because the infection has self-healed.

 

These symptoms will eventually return, probably along with the indications listed below that the infection has progressed significantly further and that you have a dead tooth: 

• Swollen gums surrounding the diseased tooth
• Swelling in your face
• Your teeth or gums are gushing pus.
• Teeth discoloration

It should be possible to stop the infection from progressing to this more critical stage by visiting the dentist as soon as you notice any form of tooth pain.

The longer you wait, the less likely a root canal will be successful because the tooth root won't recover on its own.

 

Additionally, you shouldn't rely solely on medications to manage a root canal infection.

Antibiotics may be administered to you as part of your dental treatment, but medication by itself won't be sufficient to restore your tooth's health. 

 

Do I require an extraction or a root canal? 

 

Your dentist's top objective should be to keep your natural teeth as long as possible rather than having them removed.

When a tooth is extracted, it may alter how you chew and place additional pressure on the teeth nearby.

Your face look may vary as the jaw bone where the extraction was made recedes over time. 

 

Even while root canal therapy is more expensive than extractions, you'll still need to consider replacing the missing tooth, which will add to your overall costs.

 

But if the tooth's structure is too weak to sustain a filling or crown or the bacterial illness has spread to a significant portion of the tooth, extraction may be the only viable alternative.

 

X-rays of the problematic area will often be taken by your dentist or a root canal specialist to assess the size of the infected root canal in the first place.

The number of canals present in the afflicted tooth, their locations, and the number that need to be treated may all be seen from these photos.

This will allow them to prepare for your procedure and inform you of what to expect.

 

It's important to be aware that your dentist can decide to take your infected wisdom tooth rather than fill the tooth's root in some circumstances.

Your dentist might advise extraction if the tooth isn't fully erupted or if it's in an awkward location that makes cleaning it tough. 

 

How long does a root canal procedure take? 

 

A straightforward root canal procedure can be finished in 30 to 60 minutes.

It will take longer to complete more difficult operations or ones involving several teeth.

If so, you might require numerous visits.

 

The length of a root canal varies on a number of variables, including: 

• What tooth is receiving treatment?
• the size and shape of the canals and roots
• The quantity of diseased tissue
• What equipment your dentist utilizes
  
  
  

So that you are prepared, talk this up with your dentist before the appointment.

It is becoming simpler to conduct the root canal procedure swiftly and with little discomfort because to recent advancements in dentistry. 

How long is treatment expected to last? 

 

Endodontics is a widespread dental procedure with a high percentage of success.

If the patient keeps up a healthy dental hygiene routine, about 85% of treatments last at least 8 to 10 years.

Many continue for a lifetime.

If you presently smoke, quitting will assist any dental work last longer while also enhancing the overall health of your teeth.

 

It may be possible to undergo a root canal re-treatment and maintain the tooth for even longer if you feel tooth discomfort years after a root canal.

 

The tooth may eventually turn darker as a result of the root canal procedure.

However, this is happening less frequently thanks to contemporary endodontic methods.

In the event that you do develop discolouration following root canal therapy, especially on a front tooth, you can think about having it chemically whitened to make it less noticeable. 

 

Procedures for root canal 

 

To restore a severely infected tooth, there are five basic stages that must be taken during root canal therapy.

These often happen over the course of one or two trips to the dentist.

The type of tooth being treated and how complicated its root system is will determine how many visits are necessary.

 

Dental x-rays will help your dentist estimate how long your appointment will last (s).

However, unless they actually gain access to your tooth roots, they can't be sure how difficult the treatment will be.

 

Root canal procedures on front teeth are typically simpler since they are easier to access and typically have straighter, broader canals.

This means that a root canal on a tooth in the front of the mouth usually takes less time to complete than one on a tooth in the back.

However, unless they actually gain access to your tooth roots, your dentist can't be sure how difficult the treatment will be.

 

The precise root canal method will vary slightly from clinic to clinic, however the general process is as follows: 

 

Preparation 

 

Your dentist or endodontist will use x-rays to arrange your treatment before performing a local anaesthetic, a type of dental anaesthesia.

You shouldn't experience any pain because this numbs the treated area. 

 

It is recommended that dentists use a waterproof dental dam (cofferdam) when doing root canal procedures.

This rubber band isolates one tooth from the rest of your mouth by fitting around it.

 

This accomplishes three things: 

• It guards against microorganisms in your saliva damaging the interior of your teeth.
• During treatment, you can swallow normally.
• There is no danger of you suffocating if the dentist drops a tool or any debris falls into your mouth. 

 

While it is possible to complete this work without one, endodontists should always utilize one as a matter of course.

Ask the dentist you choose if they employ a rubber dam to keep the tooth sterile during treatment of your infected root canal.

If not, think about locating one who does. 

 

Opening the tooth

 

A hole will be made in the top of your tooth (or the rear of a front tooth) by the dentist using a drill so that he may access the pulp chamber and root system.

The diseased, dead, and nerve tissue-filled interior of the tooth and its roots is removed using tiny, thin files.

 

Because root canals are so delicate and frequently curved, it may take the dentist some time to detect them all and make sure that all traces of infectious material are eliminated.

For better visibility inside the tooth, they frequently employ specialized microscopes and intense lighting.

 

This is also the time that any abscesses that have developed near the tooth root's tip will be drained. 

 

Cleaning 

 

Next, water and an antibacterial solution are used to completely clean the inside of the tooth.

The cleaning solution is injected into your tooth by your dentist with a syringe and then sucked back out.

To make sure the region is entirely sterile, this is repeated multiple times. 

 

Root forming 

 

It is challenging to correctly fill root canals because to their tiny and asymmetrical structure.

Therefore, enlarging and shaping each canal in the tooth is one of the most crucial processes in root canal therapy.

This is necessary for a number of reasons: 

• More precise canal cleaning and contouring
• Simpler and more precise filling
• Significant post-operative sensitivity reduction
• Less discomfort and time spent in the dental chair to complete the procedure
• Less chance of harm to the strong tooth structure 

You might want to find an endodontist nearby who will utilize a rotary tool rather than manual files for your treatment because of the quicker healing period and more comfortable recovery. 

 

Root filling

 

Your dentist will inject some medication into the roots to eradicate any leftover bacteria if your treatment is too complicated to finish in a single appointment.

After that, he will place a temporary filling to safeguard the tooth in between appointments.

When you come back for the remainder of your therapy, this filling is taken out.

 

It's time to permanently fill the canals after they have all been thoroughly cleaned and enlarged.

This frequently involves using a thermoplastic material that softens when heated to precisely suit the geometry of the chamber.

To achieve thorough filling, dentists put a number of tiny cones into the canal and then compress them while applying heat.

 

The gap inside the tooth must be completely filled with the root canal filling in order to prevent reinfection.

 

The remaining space in the tooth is filled and restored just like a regular filling after the roots have been filled.

This creates an additional barrier to shield the roots from further microorganisms. 

 

Crowning (optional) 

 

Your dentist could advise getting a root canal and crown since a tooth is more brittle after receiving root canal therapy.

A crown, sometimes referred to as a "cap," is a protective covering made of porcelain or metal.

To prevent additional harm to the tooth, it completely covers it.

These days, ceramic crowns are also growing in popularity.

Our post here has more information on various kinds of crowns.

 

Your dentist must first remove portion of the enamel off the outside of your tooth in order to fit a crown.

To keep it in place, they apply powerful dental glue.

It should feel and perform exactly like a real tooth after it is put in place.

Naturally, the cost of a root canal and crown is higher than the cost of just a root canal, but your dentist will advise you on the best course of action given the condition of your tooth.

 

Before placing a crown on your tooth, your dentist may wait a few weeks to ensure that the procedure was successful and that there are no indications of infection following a root canal filling.

You might, however, also be given a temporary crown right away, which you'll wear until your permanent one is prepared.

 

An overview of the process is provided in the video below from the American Association of Endodontists:

 

Root Canal Therapy: A Step-by-Step Guide 

 

Root channel after care

 

Your endodontist will provide you with detailed aftercare recommendations that you must adhere to following your operation.

Although your endodontist's aftercare recommendations should always come first, the general guidelines are as follows: 

• Take painkillers as directed.
• Wait to eat until your mouth stops feeling numb.
• As soon as your tooth has undergone treatment, avoid biting or chewing on it.
• Like usual, brush and floss every day. 

After your procedure and for the first week or two after a root canal, it's typical to feel uncomfortable and mildly sore.

But be careful to get in touch with your endodontist right once if you experience:

• Severe discomfort or pressure that last for longer than a few days
• Swelling you can see around, within, or inside your mouth.
• A reaction to your drug due to allergies
• A lopsided bite
• You lose your temporary crown or filling
• The same signs you experienced prior to getting a root canal 

How much does a root canal in my area cost? 

 

An ordinary root canal will cost between $700 and $1,000.

The length and cost of the procedure increase with its complexity.

The price will also vary depending on whether the procedure is for a molar (which will cost more) or an incisor (which will cost less).

 

Dentists and root canal experts most likely won't be able to provide you with a definite root canal pricing until they have examined your mouth and perhaps taken x-rays to determine the state of your teeth.

However, it may still be possible to acquire a general estimate of root canal costs by calling about to several clinics. It is worthwhile to do this as pricing might change significantly from one to another. 

 

It might be more affordable to receive treatment from an international dentist if you require substantial restorative work.

 

For affordable dental care, patients from North America typically fly to Mexico or Costa Rica.

If you reside close to the border, you may be able to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by having your teeth fixed in a single day. 

 

Nearby affordable root canal 

 

There are additional options for finding less expensive medical care if leaving the nation is not an option.

To start, find out if your dentist has payment or discount plans so you can receive treatment at a lower cost or at the very least spread your payments over time in manageable quantities. 

 

Cost of a root canal with insurance 

 

Your out-of-pocket expenses for a root canal may range from $200 to $500 if you have insurance that covers them.

 

Endodontic work is partially or fully covered by many dental insurance policies.

Find out what portion of root canal expenses it will cover if you have one. 

 

How painful is a root canal? 

 

Many patients worry about the discomfort of having a root canal, and they can delay getting the necessary treatment out of concern for the pain.

The surgery can fortunately be carried out with little discomfort thanks to the anaesthetic technologies utilized by dentists nowadays.

The experience should be the same as getting a standard filling, with the exception that it will take longer and that your jaw could feel stiff from having been held open for so long.

 

Endodontic therapy offers great alleviation to people who were having severe root canal pain prior to treatment.

 

Before beginning any procedure, your dentist will inject anaesthesia, and he or she may "top it up" throughout longer treatments.

Before beginning treatment, let the dentist know that if you ever begin to experience any discomfort, you'll raise your hand.

 

Patients who are especially anxious have the option of an IV sedative while the work is done.

As opposed to a general anaesthetic, this fully relaxes you such that you don't feel nervous and scarcely remember the procedure. 

 

Managing discomfort following a root canal 

 

Although the rehabilitation from a root canal shouldn't hurt, your rebuilt tooth can be sensitive or swollen for a few days.

You might take ibuprofen or paracetamol during this time to relieve any discomfort.

 

Particularly if you experience pain when biting on the treated tooth, you might find it more comfortable to limit your diet to soft foods until your mouth feels normal. 

 

Ask a dental specialist: Is it ordinary to feel tooth torment after root channel treatment?

 

After receiving a root canal, patients may suffer some pain or discomfort as the anaesthesia wears off.

This is an unintended consequence of the cleansing and preparation of the root canal.

 

Even though the pain may continue for one to two days, over-the-counter medicines should make it go away.

 

Contact your dentist right immediately if you continue to feel pain after taking painkillers or if you have significant discomfort a few days after your root canal.

You could require more dental care if this is a sign of a failed root canal procedure. 

 

Root canal issues and difficulties 

 

Even though endodontic therapy has a generally high success rate, some patients do have issues.

After the original procedure, root canal issues might happen anywhere between a few days and a few years afterwards.

 

A root canal that fails can happen as a result of: 

• The initial procedure was performed without a root canal
• An unfinished canal treatment (i.e. the tip of the canal left untreated)
• Remaining tissue in the tooth
• Damage to the root
• Bacterial leakage 

In the event that any of these issues emerge, your dentist or endodontist will examine your tooth to determine whether root canal re-treatment is an option.

Although more difficult to carry out, the procedure for this is largely the same as the original treatment.

 

The majority of the time, extraction is an option to root canal re-treatment.

Patients may elect to have the problematic tooth replaced with a dental bridge or implant if they do not wish to endure additional root canal therapy.

 

It might be possible to undergo endodontic surgery if a root canal fails due to re-infection at the tip of the root.

In order to reach the root tip directly, this entails making a little incision in the gum.

As a result, the original structure from earlier treatment might stay in place.

 

Get in touch with your dentist right away if you think you might have root canal failure.

They have been taught to identify the signs of a failed root canal and can tell you whether you need a retreatment.

The sooner it is treated, the less chance there is for the bacteria to do additional harm.

 

In the interim, the following is a list of issues patients encounter following a root canal operation, along with solutions you can take: 

• Even after taking analgesics, throbbing or intense pain during a root canal could indicate a botched root canal, so you should call your dentist right once.
• Swelling following root canal: Some swelling and discomfort are typical after a root canal and should subside within a few days. Call your dentist if it doesn't or if the discomfort increases.
• When biting, a tooth may experience slight soreness following a root canal. This is typical.
• However, if you still feel discomfort when you bite down, it's possible that your cap wasn't sufficiently smoothed down.
• If so, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away to have it fixed because waiting could make the situation worse.
• Months after a root canal, you may still experience dental pain because your tooth may have fractured or developed new cavities. It may also not have healed properly.
• You should contact your dentist if you continue to feel pain months later.
• Jaw discomfort following a root canal: While some jaw tenderness is normal, if it persists or worsens you should see your dentist.
• After a root canal, an infection may develop. If the pain is severe and getting worse more than a week later, you should contact your dentist. 

Root canal alternatives 

 

There may be other options available to you if a root canal isn't your preferred treatment. 

 

Root canal vs implant 

 

Actually, an implant is more of a backup plan in the event that you have to have your tooth taken rather than a root canal alternative.

In the event that you get a root canal, you won't require an implant to replace your missing tooth.

Dentists almost never recommend extractions over root canals since maintaining your natural teeth is ideal for your oral health.

 

Extraction vs root canal

 

Many people are unsure if an extraction or root canal is preferable.

The process of having a tooth extracted may almost seem simpler than that of a root canal.

However, getting a tooth pulled should only be considered as a last resort.

Numerous oral health issues are brought on by missing teeth, such as bone deterioration, difficulty chewing, and loss of face structure.

Ask your dentist why they can't perform a root canal if they say you need to have a tooth extracted.

 

Dentists are also people, therefore occasionally they could forget that it's an option.

Or again, they might not be providing root canals as an alternative to their less wealthy or non-White patients because of unconscious bias.

Get a second opinion from a dentist you trust if you think your tooth can be salvaged.

 

Ask your dentist about your alternatives for tooth replacement if you end up having a tooth pulled because it cannot be saved by a root canal. Keep in mind that even though implants are the most expensive option, they are well worth the cost.

 

Conclusion

 

A damaged tooth can be effectively repaired by root canal therapy, extending its life for many years or perhaps a lifetime.

Many people worry that the procedure would hurt, but this is not true.

Although it could be uncomfortable to sit with your lips open for so long, it shouldn't be painful.

 

You can use painkillers to aid in the recuperation even though it's typical to feel some sensitivity for a day or two following a root filling.

Contact your dentist right away if, days or months following treatment, you begin to experience pain.

 

In the US, the typical cost of a root canal without insurance is from $700 to $1,000.

 

The best method to catch any dental issues before they affect your tooth root is to have frequent dental examinations.

 

The likelihood that you will ever require a root canal filling will be reduced if you take proper care of your teeth.