If you’ve been told you need a root canal, there’s no need for an alarm. Modern root canal procedures are routine, comfortable, and highly effective for relieving tooth pain, saving damaged teeth, and preserving your smile. In fact, a root canal is often the best option to maintain a natural tooth and protect your oral health.

At Caring Dental, we utilize the latest technology to provide precise, gentle care, prioritizing your comfort and oral health throughout the process.

An Effective Way to Preserve Your Natural Smile

Root canal therapy boasts an impressive success rate of over 90%, making it one of the most effective methods for saving a tooth that is severely damaged due to decay or injury. A healthy, natural tooth supports your overall oral health and well-being, so root canal therapy is typically the preferred option over tooth extraction. In fact, root canals are performed over 41,000 times a day in the United States, with nearly 15 million procedures conducted annually.

Why You May Need Root Canal Therapy

Your tooth is more than just the hard outer surface; inside is a central chamber containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, collectively known as the dental pulp. The pulp helps the tooth grow and mature before it emerges into the mouth, nourishing the tooth and keeping it vital.

When the dental pulp becomes damaged—due to decay, trauma, or infection—it can result in severe pain or sensitivity. If the pulp is irreversibly damaged, root canal therapy is the solution to save the tooth.

Signs that you may need a root canal include:

• Persistent pain: Toothaches, especially those that wake you up at night, can signal a problem with the dental pulp.
• Temperature sensitivity: Extreme pain when consuming hot or cold foods or drinks may indicate an irritated or non-vital pulp.
• Pressure or touch sensitivity: If biting down or even touching the tooth causes discomfort, it may be a sign of pulp involvement or infection.
• Discolouration: A darkened tooth can indicate that the pulp is compromised or has died.
• Chipped or cracked tooth: A tooth injury can damage the pulp, potentially requiring a root canal.
• Swelling: Gum swelling around a tooth may point to an infection or abscess.
• Tooth mobility: Damage to the tooth’s supporting bone structure can lead to some movement, which root canal therapy can often resolve.

The Importance of Timely Care

Delaying root canal therapy can increase the risk of more severe symptoms and complications. Sometimes, a tooth requiring a root canal may not show obvious signs, but radiographic imaging may reveal damage. Early intervention is crucial to prevent further infection and complications that could impact your overall health.

How is a Root Canal Procedure Performed?

Thanks to modern technology and advanced techniques, root canal procedures are often as comfortable as receiving a dental filling. The process usually involves one to three visits, depending on factors like the tooth's anatomy and whether an infection is present.

During the procedure, the dentist will:

1. Remove the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth.
2. Clean and disinfect the internal part of the tooth.
3. Fill the tooth with a biocompatible material to seal it.

Root canal therapy is typically performed under local anaesthesia, but additional sedation options are available for patients who experience dental anxiety.

What to Expect After Root Canal Treatment

After your root canal procedure, you may experience mild to moderate discomfort, which should subside in a few days. To help manage any discomfort, over-the-counter pain medications are typically recommended, and sometimes a prescription may be provided.

Here’s what you can expect following your treatment:

• Numbness: The anaesthetic will wear off in a couple of hours, but you should be cautious until the numbness has fully subsided.
• Post-procedure discomfort: Mild discomfort is common after the procedure but should diminish over time.
• Antibiotics: If prescribed, take antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.
• Be mindful of the treated tooth: The tooth may be temporarily sensitive, so avoid chewing on it, and try to steer clear of hard or sticky foods.
• Maintain oral hygiene: Continue to brush and floss, but be gentle with the treated tooth.
• Permanent restoration: A permanent crown or other restoration will be needed to restore the tooth's strength and prevent fracture.

With proper care, a tooth treated with root canal therapy can last a lifetime.

Conclusion

At Caring Dental, our goal is to ensure that you receive the highest quality of care and support throughout your root canal procedure. If you experience ongoing discomfort, have concerns about the procedure, or notice signs of infection after your treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out for prompt attention and care. Root canal therapy is a safe, effective, and essential procedure for preserving your smile and maintaining your overall oral health.

Contact us today to learn more about root canal therapy or schedule an appointment.