A root canal is a surgical procedure that removes infected pulp from your tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue that lines the inside of your tooth. It contains the nerves and blood vessels and is connected to the rest of your tooth through its roots. The roots of your tooth extend from the crown to the base of your bone, so if they get infected, it’s important to remove the infected pulp before it spreads. A root canal is a step above a cavity filling and is a way to save a tooth from being extracted.
Less invasive than a filling
You can decide if you need root canal treatment based on the size and location of your tooth cavity. A small cavity may only require a filling, but larger cavities may require a root canal. When decay reaches the nerve of your tooth, it may not be immediately noticeable. Nonetheless, you can develop a tooth infection that can last for months. If you’re not sure whether you need root canal treatment, you can talk to your dentist to determine if it’s necessary.
This treatment involves cleaning and disinfecting the inside of your tooth, sealing it, and restoring your tooth’s function. Unlike fillings, root canal treatments are less invasive, resulting in less discomfort and a faster recovery. Most patients recover from this procedure in a matter of days, whereas the process of removing a tooth is more difficult and painful. However, root canals can save your tooth, as they are much less invasive than a filling.
Painless
Painless root canal therapy is an option for many people who fear the potential for unexpected pain during the procedure. This procedure is now available thanks to the latest developments in dental technology, and it’s possible to complete the treatment in just one visit. The treatment process also preserves the existing tooth, preventing further infection. In addition, painless root canal therapy can help you avoid having to schedule multiple follow-up appointments. For more information on painless root canal therapy, read on!
Before beginning treatment, the dentist will take an X-ray of the tooth. The X-ray will show the canal and whether there is an abscess in the root of the tooth. The area is then numbed with a local anesthetic. While the nerves in some people are dead, the anesthetic is injected anyway to make the patient comfortable and relaxed. The process itself is relatively painless, so you may not even notice that you had the procedure done.
Cost
The cost of root canal therapy is significantly lower than tooth extraction and restoration procedures. Although you should seek treatment as soon as you suspect that you have a root canal problem, this can take a while. A longer wait may require more invasive procedures. The re-treatment of your teeth will cost more money because it will require more extensive work. The cost of root canal therapy varies by location. Many dental insurance plans will pay for preventive care, but not restorative treatments.
The price of root canal treatment is dependent upon which tooth is affected, and whether there are additional procedures required. A molar can cost between $850 and $1,111 and a front tooth can cost up to $800. Some dental insurance plans cover endodontic procedures, but you should check with your provider to make sure. Typically, your insurance plan will pay a portion of the cost of root canal therapy. However, the cost may be lower if you choose an in-network provider.
Recovery time
A few days of rest is vital to the successful recovery after root canal therapy. After your treatment, you will not feel like yourself for a few days, so stay off your feet as much as possible and take pain relief medication as directed. If you experience any pain or swelling, contact your dentist as soon as possible. Pain may signal an infection. Recovery time after Root Canal Therapy can take up to a week, but it can be much quicker if you take time off work and rest.
A root canal procedure involves several steps to restore a tooth that has become deeply infected. It may require one or two visits, depending on the number of teeth to be treated and the position of the tooth. If your dentist performs the procedure, you can expect a three to four-day recovery time. In addition, you should avoid drinking alcohol for a few days following the procedure. If your tooth continues to throb, you may need root canal retreatment. If your tooth is too infected to be restored, your dentist may recommend an alternative procedure.
Predictability of success
Although the predictability of success of Root Canal Therapy varies between dentists, the process can provide predictable and long-term results if performed with high quality care. Failure of treatment can be the result of several factors, including the presence of significant cracks in the tooth or changes in the tooth’s internal anatomy. In such cases, the dentist may recommend tooth extraction or implant placement. However, there are many cases in which root canal therapy has been a successful treatment.
The dentist must first diagnose whether the pulp in the tooth is dead or still viable to be saved. This can affect the decision on whether the procedure should be performed. However, there is no definitive test to predict success, so the success rate is a matter of experience, technique, and patient preference. If the patient reports subjective pain during chewing, the dentist may recommend an extraction and implant. This treatment eliminates the pain experienced by the patient during normal function.