If you have been dealing with a cavity or a broken tooth filled with bacteria, then chances are you could benefit from a root canal. A root canal is a procedure where a dentist removes all the bacteria from the infected root so the patient no longer feels pain or discomfort. Even though the procedure may seem scary, it’s one of the most practiced and safe procedures and can help you get rid of the pain and start to feel confident. If you are considering getting a root canal, let us help you decide and explain everything related to a root canal.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a procedure where a dentist removes any bacteria from the root of the patient’s infected tooth. In most cases, the infection has penetrated the enamel and has reached the pulp, which is in the center of the tooth. Once the infection gets to the pulp, the dentist will remove all of the bacteria and disinfect the area to make sure the tooth can be saved, and the patient does not feel pain anymore.
Once the dentist has managed to remove the infection safely, they will start to fill up the tooth and save as much of the tooth as possible. Most dentists will use sealant and quick dry method to give the infected tooth its shape back. Depending on how severe your tooth is infected, the dentist may ask you to come back for another session.
The key to a grand root canal is to make sure no stones are unturned when it comes to fixing the infected area. Of course, the dentist wants extra time so they can work on your tooth properly without any mishaps. But the whole procedure is painless; it is just like a regular clean-up, but longer.
Why root canal?
If your tooth has been infected down to the root, nothing will save your tooth unless it is the root canal procedure. A root canal becomes a necessary procedure for people experiencing pain and would like to get rid of the infection right away. However, keep in mind that not all cavities need a root canal, and in most cases, your tooth can be saved from simply getting a clean-up and filling.
The key is to get a regular dental check-up to remove any bacteria forming before it gets to the root. Ideally, you should see your dentist every six months. If you have not had the chance to go to your dentist, and the infection has gone all the way down to the root, then you must get the root canal done so you can stop experiencing pain and save your infected tooth as much as you can.
Delaying the procedure will only cause patients to feel more pain and worsen the infection. However, if you want to save your tooth and get rid of the pain and start chewing without any pain or worry, we suggest getting the root canal done right away.
How do you tell if you need a root canal?
If you are having severe pain in your tooth and would like to know whether you need a root canal, we suggest going to a dentist. A dentist can help you figure out how bad your cavity is, how deep the infection has gone, or if it has reached the root. In most cases, a dentist will do an x-ray to see how far the cavity has gone, but for that, you must go in and see your dentist and get a full diagnostics.
If you can’t go in to see your dentist and would like to know whether or not you need a root canal procedure done, here are some ways to tell:
- Extreme pain when biting or chewing.
- Inflamed gums around the infected tooth
- Cracked tooth with visible bacteria
- Decaying of the infected tooth and the gum surrounding the tooth.
If you are sensitive to extreme hot or cold food or drink temperature, then chances are your tooth may need a root canal. However, we recommend you have a dental check-up to assess the problem, as self-diagnosis can only give you limited information.
How much does a root canal cost?
The price depends on where you are located and how severe the infection is, but your insurance will cover the root canal in most cases. We recommend you talk with your dentist to see how much the procedure will cost based on your infection. In most instances, the dentist will give you a discount based on many factors, so reading up a number online will only give you false information about how much the procedure will cost, as it entirely depends on the situation. The best thing to do is to see your dentist and get a price.
How long is the recovery after the procedure
After the procedure is done, which is about 2-4 hours, you could go back to work right after. However, the numbing solution may cause you to have speech issues for a couple of hours, so if you are looking to do a sales pitch at work right after your surgery, we suggest you reschedule. Also, stay away from eating any foods until the numbness has gone away. Since you won’t have the sensation, you could bite hard and break your brand new root canal. Finally, if you want to be safe, take the day off and listen to your body, and you should be back to normal the following day.
Conclusion
A root canal is an essential procedure if the infection has reached the roots of your tooth. The procedure should not take more than 2-4 hours, depending on the infection, and the patient will feel great once it’s all said and done. If you are experiencing pain when chewing food around the infected tooth, or have issues with hot or cold food, go see a dentist right away. Chances are you might need a root canal to save your tooth.