A root canal is a dental procedure that cleans and fills inside your tooth. Without it, your only option would be to have the damaged tooth pulled.
Some people think that root canals cause systemic diseases like arthritis and heart disease. But, modern technology and a local anesthetic make root canals Raleigh NC no more painful than having a cavity filled.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal?
A root canal is needed to clean out decay that has infected the inside core of a tooth. Each tooth has an enamel layer on the outside, a dentin layer, and a soft inside core that extends into the roots in your jawbone. Tooth decay can get into the inside core where there are nerves and blood vessels, causing pain and swelling. Without treatment, the infection can spread to your gums and jawbone and lead to painful abscesses.
Symptoms of a root canal problem can include sensitivity to hot or cold liquids and foods, and pain that persists or intensifies over time. Oftentimes, a root canal is necessary when a tooth has become infected and damaged due to deep decay; repeated dental procedures on the same tooth; large fillings; cracks or chips; or trauma to the face.
Getting regular preventative care and practicing good oral hygiene can help you avoid root canals by catching problems before they start. However, if you experience any symptoms of a problem, don’t wait to see your dentist.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
Inside each tooth, under the white enamel and hard layer called dentin, is a soft center made of blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue that helped develop the tooth during its growth. This tissue is called the pulp. If a tooth’s pulp becomes damaged or infected, you can experience severe pain and discomfort.
A root canal, or endodontic treatment, removes the damaged pulp and disinfects the area, then fills and seals the tooth. This stops infection and pain, and preserves the natural tooth structure.
Root canal treatments are not painful and are far less invasive than a tooth extraction. Extraction requires more expensive restorative dental treatment to replace the missing tooth, such as a bridge or implant.
During your appointment, the dentist will administer numbing medication in the affected area. After the numbing agent takes effect, the dentist will use a thin rubber sheet, known as a dental dam, to isolate the area around the problem tooth.
How Long Does a Root Canal Last?
Root canals help maintain natural teeth for a time, but the treated tooth eventually becomes brittle and dies. Researchers analyzed the survival times of over 46,000 root canals Raleigh NC using deidentified records from 99 small dental practices in the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. They found that teeth survive about 11 years after a root canal. However, a well-performed root canal can last a lifetime with proper care.
A successful root canal depends on a few factors. It’s important for your dentist to be skilled in the procedure and ensure that all infected tissue is removed and the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. If a root canal is not done properly, bacteria can reinfect the tooth and shorten its life.
Other factors that affect longevity include the structure and condition of the tooth, chewing habits, clenching or grinding, smoking, and systemic health conditions such as diabetes. Regular visits to your dentist can help detect problems early and prevent complications.
What Can I Expect from a Root Canal?
While root canals Raleigh NC may have gotten a bad reputation due to myths and old sayings, modern root canal treatment is much different. It is relatively painless and very effective. With proper oral hygiene and routine dental checkups, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime.
After a root canal, consuming soft foods that require little or no chewing is recommended. Some patients will experience discomfort, swelling or throbbing that typically peaks within the first few days and should improve with time. If your symptoms persist, contact us immediately for further evaluation and possible treatment.
It’s also important to keep up with your daily oral care regimen, including regular brushing and flossing. In addition, it is highly recommended that you avoid smoking and harmful habits that can cause additional damage to your teeth. If you’re experiencing signs of an infection, like severe pain or swelling, contact us right away for prompt treatment.
