What is a root canal treatment?
A root canal treatment is when the dentist removes diseased or dead nerve tissue inside a tooth. The tooth is not removed, but the diseased nerve is cleaned out, disinfected, and replaced with a filling.
What are some signs that indicate I may need a root canal?
Signs that you may need a root canal can vary. Sometimes there will be pain over a long period of time, or swelling near the root of the tooth. However, sometimes there are no signs, and it may only be visible to the dentist through an x-ray.
Can a root canal save a cracked tooth?
If the tooth is very badly cracked, a root canal cannot save the tooth. However, if there's a partial crack which has caused the nerve to go bad, a root canal can often save the tooth.
When is it too late for a root canal?
If the tooth is completely cracked in half or the infection is so bad there's not much tooth left, it may be too late for a root canal.
What happens during a root canal?
During a root canal, the patient is completely numbed with local anesthesia. A small opening is made at the top of the tooth to remove any dead or diseased nerve tissue. Once all that is cleaned and disinfected, a filling is placed inside the area.
How long does a root canal procedure last?
Once a root canal is completed, there is a 95 to 97% chance that it will be successful, and it should last many years if properly cared for.
Will I need a dental crown after a root canal?
In most cases, a dental crown is needed after a root canal.
What type of anesthesia will be used during a root canal?
A local anesthetic is used during a root canal procedure.
How safe is a root canal?
Root canals are very safe and have been done for many years.
How do I prepare for a root canal?
Preparation for a root canal is simple. Depending on the condition of the tooth, you may be required to take pain medicine or antibiotics.
How will I feel after a root canal?
After a root canal, you will feel very numb. Pain medicine is usually needed for a day or so.
Will my tooth be sensitive after a root canal?
The tooth could be sore to chew on, but this usually goes away after a day or two.
How long does it take to recover from a root canal?
Recovery from a root canal usually takes one or two days.
What is the best way to recover after a root canal?
The best way to recover after a root canal is to take any prescribed pain medicines or antibiotics and avoid heavy chewing on the area for a day or two.
Root canal treatment versus dental implants: what are the pros and cons of each?
When a root canal is performed, the original tooth can be preserved, and this procedure is entirely safe. In certain instances, it is advisable to extract the tooth and opt for an implant, which is a suitable choice when the tooth is severely damaged and cannot be salvaged. In most cases, our preference is to save teeth whenever possible. However, there are situations, as previously mentioned, where the tooth may be extensively cracked or a substantial portion of it is missing. In such cases, it may be more prudent to extract the tooth and allow for complete healing before considering the placement of an implant.
Why are dental crowns recommended after a root canal?
Dental crowns are recommended after a root canal because the tooth tends to be more brittle and a crown will help keep it strong.
How much does a root canal treatment cost?
The cost of a root canal depends on your insurance coverage and plan. It's best to talk to a member of the front office for a more accurate estimate.
A root canal therapy or endodontics is a treatment we use to save and restore your severely infected teeth. This procedure is designed to remove bacteria from your infected root canal and prevent further infection. We perform this surgery to save your infected teeth from extraction.
Root canal procedure involves removing the infected pulp from inside your teeth and then disinfecting, filling, and sealing the area. Schedule an appointment with us if you experience the symptoms, and we will treat it to save your surrounding tissues from infection and abscesses.
When Should I Opt for Root Canal?
- When you experience persistent pain in your teeth
- When you feel sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- A root canal is required when your teeth suddenly get discolored.
- You may want to opt for this procedure in case of painful or swollen gums.
- This procedure may also be required in case of chipped or cracked teeth, as the opening could allow the oral bacteria to enter the root canal cavity and infect the pulp.
What are the Benefits of Root Canal Therapy?
- Root canal treatment removes all the infection from your tooth pulp and prevents reinfection.
- The results of root canal treatment are long-lasting. All you need to do is to maintain your oral hygiene.
- You may resume your daily routine within a few days after the procedure.
What Does This Surgery Include?
Before starting the root canal surgery, we will conduct your dental examination by taking an X-ray or CT scan to check the severity of the infection. The procedure may be a single visit treatment or require multiple appointments, depending upon the condition of your teeth.
We will give local anesthesia to reduce pain or discomfort throughout the procedure. We will also place a rubber sheet called gutta-percha around your infected teeth to keep the area dry and free from saliva. After this, we will make an incision into the site of the surgery to remove the infected pulp, bacteria, and decayed nerve tissues.
We will clean and disinfect your teeth thoroughly and then seal the area. You may opt for dental sealing or crowns to avoid the chances of reinfection.
How Long is the Recovery?
You may feel a little pain or discomfort at the site of surgery. We will prescribe you some painkillers and antibiotics to alleviate the pain. Swelling can be reduced by applying an ice pack on the site of surgery.
Avoid eating anything for 2 hours after the root canal treatment, and do not eat hard foods for two days after the surgery. Be careful while brushing your teeth.
To find out more about the dental services we offer at Montpelier Family Dentistry, Laurel, MD, call (301) 812-4599 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit Dentist Laurel MD at 14502 Greenview Dr #100, Laurel, MD, 20708.