What is the root canal?
Root canal is a treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth instead of removing it. The term “root canal” comes from cleaning of the canals inside a tooth’s root. Decades ago, root canal treatments often were painful.
When do you need root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is only required when dental X-rays show that the pulp has been damaged by a bacterial infection. The pulp will begin to die if it’s infected by bacteria, allowing the bacteria to then multiply and spread.
What causes a tooth to need a root canal?
A root canal is needed when a tooth becomes irreversibly inflamed and damaged. The tooth’s dental pulp – often called the “nerve” – became exposed to bacteria, and therefore needs to be removed to deter further pain and infection.
What is tooth root canal treatment?
Does a root canal hurt? Since patients are given anesthesia, a root canal isn’t more painful than a regular dental procedure, such as a filling or getting a wisdom tooth removed. However, a root canal is generally a bit sore or numb after the procedure, and can even cause mild discomfort for a few days.
How do you know if you really need a root canal?
Signs you may need root canal therapy include:
- Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure.
- Prolonged sensitivity (pain) to hot or cold temperatures (after the heat or cold has been removed)
- Discoloration (darkening) of the tooth.
- Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums.
Can you be put under for a root canal?
Going under unconscious sedation for a root canal is unnecessary and will only put your body through more distress. For patients dealing with fear, a severe gag reflex, special needs, dementia, or other complications, we recommend and will provide, nitrous oxide analgesia to help you relax.
What happens if you leave an infected root canal untreated?
If you do not undergo treatment or get the tooth removed, then the consequences can be severe. If left untreated, the bacterial infection can spread to the jaw, brain, blood and rest of the body. Is a Root Canal Painful? Most patients feel little or no pain during a root canal procedure.
What happens if you leave root canal untreated?
If a root canal is delayed for too long, the bacterial infection can spread to other areas of the mouth, putting the patient at risk for serious dental problems and other medical conditions. The infection can cause something called a dental abscess, which is a pus filled sac that requires immediate medical attention.