Everything You Need to Know About Root Canal Therapy

Your oral health is paramount to not only the appearance of your smile and self-confidence but also to your overall health and well-being. The dental industry available today offers a multitude of education, prevention, and treatment options for maintaining your most beautiful, healthiest smile. A root canal is an innovative treatment used to help save and maintain your teeth and is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the industry. Here's everything you need to know about root canal therapy, including what it is, why it's important, and what the procedure entails. Read on to learn about how your dentist can help you better your oral health.

Just as the name of the procedure indicates, a root canal treats the root canal of a tooth. The roots of a tooth are located under the hard surface of your tooth and connect the nerves and tissue in your gums, teeth, jaw, etc. During root canal procedures, also known as root canal therapy, the nerves, pulp, and tissue within the roots of an injured or decayed tooth are removed to help prevent and treat a variety of issues. After affected areas of the tooth are removed, the nerves and roots are sealed.

Root canals can be performed on one or multiple teeth and can help return function and appearance to your teeth, eliminate discomfort or pain, and prevent serious complications . Since there is absolutely no replacing the function, look, and feel of your natural teeth, dentists all over the world perform this procedure every day.

There are a variety of reasons why a root canal procedure may be recommended by your dentist, but it is often a top priority in teeth that are infected, decayed, or damaged. Just as everything in your mouth and body is connected, when the root, pulp, and nerves of your tooth becomes damaged in any way, the entire tooth begins to break down. Bacteria and infection can then cause serious problems and even spread to other teeth. Infections, abscesses, and serious health problems are all closely associated with damaged or decayed teeth.

Damage and decay in your teeth can be caused by a variety of things, but here a few of the most common reasons:

• An injury to the teeth, gums, or jaw
• Past dental procedures or treatments that may have created other problems
• Cavities that have gone untreated or are extensive
• Broken, cracked, or damaged teeth

Your dentist performs exams and takes x-ray images to spot any damage to your teeth. Although every case is different and your dentist is trained to alert you to your oral needs, you may need a root canalif you are experiencing some or all of the following symptoms:

• Extreme/severe pain or pressure with chewing or talking
• Swelling and tenderness
• Hot/cold temperature sensitivity
• The appearance of small bumps located near the gum line
• Discoloration/darkening of a tooth
• Pain/discomfort in teeth, gums, or jaw

After your dentist has determined you should receive root canal therapy on one or more of your teeth, you will be scheduled for an appointment for the procedure. Using information gathered from your exam and images, your dentist will create a personalized plan for your procedure. Contrary to popular, public belief, root canal therapies are no more complicated or uncomfortable than other common dental procedures.

First, your dentist will provide you with a local anesthetic that will be applied directly to the affected area. Stronger anesthetics are typically not needed or required for root canals, but sedatives can sometimes be provided for patients that have anxiety about the procedure.

After the anesthesia kicks in, your dentist will begin the root canal by performing a pulpectomy. A pulpectomy involves using specialized tools to create an opening in the affected tooth and removing the diseased or decayed tissue, roots, and pulp.

When the necessary tissue and roots are removed, your dentist then begins filling the area with a specialized material that seals off your roots. A temporary material may then be used to cap the tooth until a permanent optioncan be placed.

Root canal therapies are most-often performed in one visit. After the affected area has been removed and sealed, you will be sent home to wait a few weeks for a permanent crown, cap, or tooth that will cover the treated tooth and protect the work done during the root canal.

With a 95 percent success rate, root canals are one of the most long-lasting and successful procedures in the world of dentistry. With proper care, teeth repaired by root canal therapy can last for many years to come. It is normal to feel mild discomfort or pain for a few days following your root canal. This sensitivity is typically a result of the body's natural reaction to the procedure. Though it is uncommon, any severe pain after root canals should be discussed with your dental team.

Most people return to normal activities the day following the root canal procedure. While you wait for your appointment to place your permanent option, you'll want to take caution around the treated area. After your permanent crown or cap has been placed by your dentist, it will look and feel like your natural teeth. Practicing good oral hygiene, maintaining regularly scheduled appointments, and practicing good lifestyle behaviors will help maintain your root canal therapy.

Much like other dental procedures and treatments, the cost of a root canal can vary greatly. Several factors can be taken into consideration, such as dental insurance, benefits and coverage, the severity of the issue, the number of teeth needing treatment, and more. Another consideration to take into account is the cost of the permanent tooth, cap, or crown that is placed after the root canal therapy. On average, you can expect you pay anywhere from $700-$1100for your root canal.

Root canal therapy can help save your teeth and prevent future oral problems from ruining your beautiful smile. Dr. Ronald A. Murphy and his professional staff are trained to provide you with the best oral care possible and help you personalize your smile. Contactour office to find out more about root canal therapy and to schedule your appointment today!