Keeping your natural teeth has always been preferred to having them replaced, and one of the best ways to do this is through a root canal. Although many people think of root canals as painful, this endodontic therapy relieves pain and preserves your teeth from extraction. If your dentist has advised you that you may need a root canal, make sure you visit a qualified dentist, so you can restore your oral health and smile confidently.
It is always preferable to save your natural teeth rather than install artificial ones, and one of the most effective methods of saving your natural teeth is through root canal treatment in Irving, TX. Root canals are associated by many individuals with pain; however, in the real sense, this endodontic procedure eliminates pain and saves teeth that would otherwise have to be extracted. When you are told that you might be required to have a root canal, retain the services of a qualified dentist in Irving, TX, and you find yourself able to regain your oral health and smile once again.
Understanding Root Canal Treatment
Endodontic treatment is what is commonly referred to as a root canal; it is the extraction of infection in the interior part of the tooth, the dental pulp.. Inside the pulp are nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues to supply the tooth as it develops. Your pulp may become infected or inflamed through dental decay, cracks, or trauma, as the infection can extend to the surrounding tissues and ultimately result in severe pain.
When performing a root canal, your dentist will carefully remove the pulp, clean the canals within the tooth, and disinfect the canals before sealing the space with a filling material. This will eliminate the infection and save the tooth structure, meaning that one is still able to use a tooth like a normal one.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
It is important to know the warning signs to save your tooth. The symptoms/signs that may make you need a root canal include:
- Constant toothache or pain from the pressure.
- Extensive duration of hotness or coldness.
- You may feel the vicinity of the infected tooth by knowing it is swollen or sore.
- A formation of discoloration of the tooth.
- Pimple-like bump on your gums.
If you have any of these warning signs, I encourage you to visit a local dentist immediately; it may save your tooth and/or avert infections and/or additional damage.
How Root Canal Treatment Saves Natural Teeth
Root canal treatment treats the infection originating from within the tooth rather than removing the tooth. Here are some examples of how root canal treatment can save a natural tooth:
- Stops Additional Infections: Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp and seals the tooth to prevent bacteria from causing infection in bone or other teeth.
- Preserves Tooth Structure: The natural tooth root is left intact, keeping your bite aligned, and your jawbone is preserved.
- Returns Function and Beauty: After treatment and restoration with a dental crown, the tooth looks and feels completely natural; you can chew and smile comfortably.
- Eases Pain: After the infected tooth has been treated, there is no longer a source of pain, and your overall oral health is greatly improved.
In summary, root canal therapy corrects the internal source of infection to preserve a natural tooth and reduce further damage to the tooth.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy Over Tooth Extraction
It is evident that preserving your natural tooth has benefits when assessing root canal therapy vs tooth extraction:
- Preserving the integrity of your jaw: When a tooth is removed, over time it leads to bone loss, while leaving the natural root in place prevents it.
- Fewer traumas and quicker healing: The root canal procedure tends to be less traumatizing to the mouth in comparison to the extraction and substitution of the tooth.
- Less costly: Nature’s tooth is cheaper than a dental implant or adhesive bridge because it can save you a lot of money in the long term.
- Preserves your smile: There is nothing like your own teeth in both look and feel, and with a root canal, you will be able to preserve your teeth.
Recovery Tips After Root Canal Treatment
Recovery from root canal treatment typically goes well with little difficulty. For the best recovery, follow these tips after you have completed your root canal treatment:
- Do not chew on the treated side until your dentist prepares and places the final crown.
- Take prescription painkillers in order to alleviate pain or swelling.
- Gently brush and/or floss around the tooth being treated when you are told to do so by your dentist.
- The tooth will remain healthy throughout the life of good oral hygiene and the frequent visits to the dentist!
Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits will help keep the tooth healthy for a lifetime!
Conclusion
A root canal is one of the most efficient ways to restore your oral health while preserving your natural teeth. Rather than extract the tooth, you can eliminate infection through a root canal procedure, recover your smile, and return to chewing and speaking normally again. If you are experiencing a toothache or any signs of infection, please contact Pearl Dental Studio to schedule an appointment today. They have experienced dental professionals that perform gentle and precise infected tooth treatment options to keep your natural teeth healthy and strong for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is root canal treatment painful?
Because of innovations in techniques and anesthesia, modern root canal treatments are practically painless. Most patients feel a relief rather than pain after treatment.
- How long does it take for a root canal to heal?
Most patients heal up in just a few days, though sensitivity may last for a week. You will heal faster if you follow your dentist’s care directions after your treatment.
- Can a root canal fail or get infected again?
Although rare, a root canal can fail if it allows bacteria to re-enter the tooth. Routine exams and good oral hygiene reduce the risk of a failed root canal.
- Do I need a crown following a root canal?
Yes, most of the attacked teeth with a root canal should have a crown on them to make them strong and defend against cracking or any other form of harm to the tooth.
