What is a Root Canal?
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure performed to remove the nerve of a tooth. This treatment is done to repair and save badly damaged teeth instead of extracting them. The treatment is done to relieve the pain that is caused by an abscessed or infected tooth.
During the procedure, your canal is cleaned and the inflamed pulp is removed. It will then be filled to prevent bacteria from reaching or entering the canal. Root canal treatment basically prevents the need to extract a tooth once the nerve has been removed.
Why would you need Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment may be performed for a number of reasons. These include:
- Tooth sensitivity – particularly to hot and cold sensations especially if fillings do not resolve the matter
- Restorative purposes – if your tooth has been cracked due to an injury and the nerve is exposed
- Nerve damage – this could be caused by a previous filling or dental nerve injury.
- An abscess – typically caused by a bacterial infection.
- A deep cavity –a tooth that has decayed to the pulp area of the tooth
Will I require more than one visit to my Dentist?
If the procedure required is more complex, you may need to visit an endodontist. They are highly skilled dental specialists trained to repair tissues inside the tooth in intricate ways. During your consultation with Dr Danka, he will determine if you might need an endodontist for a dental emergency. Generally Dr Danka does a complete root canal treatment over 3 visits- the first visit is to remove the nerve and sterilise the canal, the second visit – a week later is to fill and seal the canal with special medication and a 3rd visit a week later is to finalise or complete the filling once the root canal medication has settled and cured.
A referral to an endodontist may be required if you have a fever and experience extreme tooth pain.
How does a root canal procedure work?
During your consultation with Dr Danka, he will take an x-ray. This is done to determine the shape of your root canals and look for signs of infection. During a root canal procedure, a local anaesthesia will be administered to numb the area around your tooth. A dental dam will then be placed to isolate the operative site from the rest of your mouth. This is also to keep the area dry during your surgery.
A small hole will be drilled into your tooth and the pulp and nerve tissue will then be removed along with any bacteria or debris. Irrigation with special solutions will be used to flush your canal clear of any debris or infective materials . A special sterilising material will be placed in the tooth as a temporary medication and left in place for a few days to settle the tooth down.
At your next visit (2nd visit) your tooth will then be sealed with a sealer paste and a rubber compound. A temporary filling will be place to cover this until the rubber compound has settled and cured
At the 3rd visit-A filling will then be fitted to the exterior of the hole. If there is any sign of infection, Dr Danka may prefer to wait before sealing it.
Depending on the level of decay and the specific condition of your tooth, you may require additional restorative work. If you have a weak tooth, a crown may be needed to protect it. Dr Danka will recommend a treatment plan depending on your needs.
Why would you need Root Canal Treatment?
When people think of a root canal, they always associate it with pain as there is a stigma attached to them. The bottom line is that root canal treatments can help eliminate your pain. The procedure is generally not painful as the area will be numbed by the local anaesthesia. You may however experience some discomfort, tenderness, and swelling once the medication wears off but that should heal within a couple of days.
How long will the Root Canal Procedure Take?
Root canal procedures typically take between 30-90- minutes. The actual duration will however depend on how complex the procedure is. Dr Danka will explain in detail and give you a more accurate time frame.
What is the recovery time?
Recovery time varies from patient to patient. Typically, if there are no complications during your procedure, you should return to normal within a few days. You will experience a dull ache near the site of your surgery but that should pass within two days. If your pain does not subside or go away, a follow-up appointment with Dr Danka may be required
What Are the Benefits of a Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatments are commonly performed to prevent the spread of infection. The main benefits of undergoing the procedure are as follows:
- It prevents tooth loss
- To relive pain and discomfort
- It prevents the infection of neighbouring teeth
- It prevents the degeneration of your jawbone
- It boosts your oral health
What are the Complications of Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal procedures enjoy high success rates. You should however, always be aware of the potential risks involved before you undergo treatment. Complications can occur so Dr Danka will discuss with you the potential risks during your consultation. These complications can include the following:
- Fracturing your tooth or dental crown: brittle teeth tend to fracture during the procedure which will most likely lead to your tooth being extracted.
- Reinfection: if your tooth becomes re-infected, then the procedure was not successful.
- Missed root canals: your tooth has up to 3 roots and 4 canals. A dentist can sometimes miss your canal if it is in an abnormal or unusual position.
- Perforating the root: if the root of your tooth is curved, it is possible for the instruments to accidentally perforate it.
- Fractured instruments: because the instruments used during the procedure are tiny, they can sometimes break and become stuck inside the canal. In this case Dr Danka should be able to remove it using forceps.
There are also other complications that can occur but these are very rare. You could experience altered sensitivity after your treatment or an allergic reaction to the medicines or materials used during the root canal.
Root Canal Treatment for Patients
Undergoing a root canal procedure does not have to be scary. It is a virtually painless process that relieves pain, gets rid of infection, and saves your teeth. The long-term benefits can greatly improve your oral health and the overall quality of your life. If you’re looking for an experienced, passionate dentist in Linden, consult with Dr Ebrahim Danka. He will take extra care to ensure that your root canal treatment is as pleasant as possible. Should you suspect you may need a root canal, schedule an appointment with the doctor as soon as possible.
Have any questions on root canal treatment? Our team is here to help. If you do not find your answer below, get in touch with us and we will do our best to provide it.
Patients receive anaesthesia during a root canal procedure, so it is not inherently more painful than other common dental procedures like fillings or wisdom tooth extractions. However, after the root canal, it is common to experience some soreness or numbness, which may cause mild discomfort for a few days following the procedure.
Root canal treatment is generally effective in saving the tooth and eliminating infection. Statistics show that approximately 9 out of 10 teeth treated with a root canal survive for 8 to 10 years. Applying a crown to the treated tooth post-procedure is crucial to enhance its longevity and overall survival rates.
Potential side effects of a root canal procedure may include mild pain or discomfort, swelling, or tenderness in the adjacent tissues. Patients might also experience temporary sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures following the treatment. Although uncommon, there is a slight risk of complications such as infection or nerve damage in rare cases.
Typically, root canals require about one to two weeks to completely heal, although some cases may take longer. During the recovery period, it is crucial to adhere to your dentist’s aftercare guidelines and avoid activities that may stress the treated tooth.
Steer clear of hard, chewy, spicy, and crunchy foods, as they may aggravate the treated area. Additionally, avoid hot foods and beverages, as they can intensify soreness or pain. Limit your intake of sugary items, as they can promote infections around the treated tooth.
You may eat 30 to 45 minutes after a root canal, allowing time for the temporary filling to set. However, it is generally advisable to wait until the anaesthetic has worn off to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
Swelling may peak 48-72 hours post-procedure before it begins to decrease. It is often more pronounced in the morning and tends to lessen throughout the day. Slight bleeding or oozing can tint saliva for up to 24 hours after surgery, which is a normal occurrence.
Yes, you can brush your teeth after a dental procedure. It is very uncommon for a dentist to advise against it. Once the numbing medication has worn off, you can resume brushing your teeth as usual.
You may drink cold and warm beverages before the numbness wears off, but it is advisable to wait at least 30 to 40 minutes after your root canal to ensure the temporary filling has hardened.
A root canal does not kill the tooth; once the procedure is complete, the tooth will function as usual. While the nerves inside the tooth are removed during a root canal, these nerves have minimal function in a fully developed tooth.
You may experience mild to moderate pain for a few days after the procedure. Consult your endodontist about appropriate over-the-counter pain relievers. Typically, the discomfort should subside within three to five days.
Signs of a root canal failure may include tooth sensitivity or pain when biting down, discoloration of the tooth, and tenderness in the gum tissue near the treated area. Additionally, you might notice a pimple or boil on the jaw and experience pain from pressure in the treated tooth. If you experience any of these symptoms, it could indicate a problem with the root canal.
You may have a root canal infection if you experience severe pain when chewing or applying pressure to the tooth, swelling in the gums or face, darkening of the tooth, sensitivity to hot and cold, bad breath, a metallic taste in the mouth, or pus drainage from the gum.
On the day after surgery, rinsing your mouth several times a day with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt in about 240ml of warm water) can help soothe the treated area. Some swelling, bruising, or bleeding from the surgical site may occur, so do not be alarmed.
Root canal therapy is typically safe and effective, boasting a success rate exceeding 95%. However, like any medical or dental procedure, there is a chance of failure. This can be due to factors such as a loose crown, tooth fracture, or new decay, and it can occur shortly after the procedure or even years later.