A Root Canal Treatment is something which most people will definitely not run to the dentist to get done. It is not exactly “fun” for many as there are numerous misconceptions that are surrounding the procedure. However, the reality is very different and that is why we have taken to this blog to spread the right word to you. But, before jumping off to the facts it is very important to know what a root canal treatment exactly is.
So, what is a Root Canal Treatment?
If you have an infected tooth or a tooth that is badly damaged, a Root Canal Treatment is the way to go for you. The procedure is meant to repair and save that precious tooth of yours in the best possible way.
Firstly, the damaged area or the pulp of your tooth is removed. Then, the damaged area is cleaned and disinfected. Lastly, the area is filled and sealed. Therefore, the Root Canal Treatment got its name from its purpose of cleaning the canals inside the roots of your teeth.
When is a Root Canal Treatment needed?
The most common causes of an individual requiring a root canal treatment is a cracked tooth, an external injury or any kind of internal trauma to the tooth and a deep cavity.
Your dentist will suggest a root canal treatment to you if you have an infection that has infested the deep layers of your tooth. The pulp is very sensitive and in case of an injury or severe and untreated cavity, it can get infected. If the tooth is not attended to and not treated properly, then the only option that will be available to you will be a tooth extraction process. To prevent this from happening, a root canal treatment is carried out and your tooth is saved.
Now, coming to the facts about root canal treatments, below are the top ones that you need to know about it!
The top facts about a Root Canal Treatment –
- Do not let a lack of pain prevent you from getting the treatment –Most people do not visit the dentist even after having a chronic tooth pain is because they believe that if the pain is gone, they do not need to get it checked. The thing is, a pain like that should not go unchecked. Your teeth are precious and getting them checked after such attacks are of crucial importance. Most importantly, if the pain subsides, it does not mean that the infection is gone too. It is actually the pulp dying because of the infection and that causes the pain to disappear. The pulp is what causes the pain as it contains numerous nerves and blood vessels. If not treated, nightmarish symptoms of infection begin to show like, puss oozing out and facial swelling. Therefore, definitely get your tooth checked and do not delay if the pain has subsided. Your tooth might be infected severely and in the dire need of a root canal treatment.
- A Root Canal Treatment should not be painful – People have such preconceived notions about a root canal treatment. One of them being that it is a very painful procedure. In reality, it is not painful as the tooth and affected area is put under a local anesthetic. The procedure is to relieve all your pain and not to cause more pain. Rather, the procedure feels more like a cavity being filled. It is important to knock out such misconceptions in order to prevent them from scaring you to visit a dentist.
- Protecting the tooth – A temporary filling is placed in the tooth after the procedure. In another appointment, a permanent crown or filling is added. Now, the tooth will take some time to restore and before it is completely restored, you need to protect the tooth and the temporary filling as, during this period, it is at high risk of fracture or injury.
- The Root Canal Treatment is not a permanent solution –Do not think after a root canal treatment that you have successfully future proofed your teeth against gum diseases and cavities. It is very important to regularly brush and floss your teeth as well as visit the dentist more often to ensure that your crowns last for many years.
- Choose a Root Canal Treatment over Tooth Extraction –It is very important to save your tooth while you still can. If you have been terribly late in opting for the treatment, automatically the only option would be a tooth extraction. However, if you can still save your tooth, go for a root canal treatment for sure. A tooth extraction causes other teeth to shift in order to fill that empty space where once your infected tooth was. This causes jaw disorders and changes your bite. The quality of your smile is significantly reduced as well. So, always go for a root canal treatment while you still can!