Plaque and tartar buildup can erode the enamel and cause decay in a tooth. If the decay is deep and causes an infection of the pulp, it is important to treat the tooth immediately. There are two options in such situations – root canal therapy (RCT) and extraction. Your Oshawa dentist will try to save your natural teeth, for which they will usually recommend RCT over pulling an affected tooth. In this post, let’s understand the procedure and other essential details.
Signs you have a tooth infection
Sometimes, a patient may not have any symptoms of an infected tooth. The dentist may find the extent of the decay through a routine exam and X-rays. In other cases, there may be severe symptoms, like pain while eating and chewing foods, and pain and swelling. You should also feel concerned if there are sudden changes in a tooth’s color or appearance, even if you don’t have pain or sensitivity.
What causes a tooth infection?
Mostly, tooth infections are related to cavities. When decay is deep, bacteria can enter and affect the root chamber, which contains the pulp, nerves, and tissues. As the infection flares, the patient experiences pain and discomfort. Root canal therapy addresses the infection inside, and the procedure involves removing decay, blood vessels, and the pulp.
What happens during root canal therapy?
First, your dentist will do the necessary imaging tests to check the structure of the tooth and root canals. Next, they will administer local anesthesia to numb the tooth and gums. They will then drill into the tooth to create an opening to access the root chamber. They will clear the pulp and reshape the canals using dental files, after which they will clean the tooth entirely. Finally, the dentist will seal the tooth with special materials. While the entire procedure can be completed in a single visit, dentists may divide the work into two or more appointments so that patients don’t have to sit for long.
Getting a crown
Root canal therapy may save an infected tooth but also leaves it weak and vulnerable to breakage. A dental crown helps address these issues and restores chewing function. Getting a crown is a painless procedure, and you will need two appointments. Your dentist may have to buff and prepare the tooth for the cap. They will then take impressions of your teeth and order a crown from the lab. The next appointment will be about checking the shape and fit of the crown and cementing it to the tooth.
How successful is root canal therapy?
For most patients, root canal therapy offers excellent outcomes. RCT has a high success rate, and results can last a lifetime. However, in rare cases, an infection may reoccur again, for which root canal retreatment may be necessary. Root canal retreatment involves the same steps as RCT and has a good success rate.
Why consider RCT over pulling a tooth?
If you remove an infected tooth, you have to think of restoration immediately, and the costs can be higher. Also, extracting natural teeth causes a decline in bone density and may lead to the shifting of other teeth. Despite many patients having an unfounded fear of root canal therapy, the procedure is still better and preferable than removing a tooth. Of course, your dentist will have to evaluate whether the tooth can be saved with RCT in the first place.
Final word
Contrary to popular belief, RCT is not painful, as it is done under local anesthesia. Even the recovery time is less than two weeks, and most patients don’t feel any discomfort after a week. Make sure to select a dental clinic in Oshawa that specializes in endodontic care and has experienced dentists performing such procedures.
