Are you thinking of getting a root canal treatment for your tooth? If so, better to know the procedure first, so you are aware of what you are subjecting yourself to.
Root canal therapy has lots of benefits to oral health but it also has downsides just like any other treatment. In this article, we are going to discuss the different benefits and side effects of root canal treatment. Just sit back and relax, we are going to answer some of your common questions about this dental treatment.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is also called endodontic therapy which is an ideal option for patients suffering from severe tooth decay. It is a routine dental therapy that treats the infections buried deep within the center of each tooth. Dental infections are always possible to exist because of the high volume of bacteria in the mouth. This is natural and also the result of eating and drinking. Sometimes, dental infections are also a result of tooth decay, cavities and other dental problems. Aside from the removal of the bacteria, it also involves the treatment of exposed and severed tooth nerves.
When Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?
Generally, a root canal treatment is performed when the pulp or the soft inner part of your tooth is infected.
Just a reminder, a crown of your tooth intact in your gums does not mean your tooth’s pulp is good. Sometimes, even if your tooth crown is intact, your pulp may be infected. If this happened, removing the infected pulp is the ideal option to preserve the structure and functionality of your tooth.
Consider root canal therapy if you are experiencing some of the following::
- You have deep and severe decay due to untreated cavities.
- You undergo multiple dental procedures on the same tooth.
- You have a chip or broken tooth.
- An injury to the tooth due to accident or other incidents (for example, you get hit in the mouth, your tooth’s pulp is possible to have damage.)
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
No more toothache
We all know how irritating toothache is because of the excruciating pain it gives. You may also not function normally when you have a toothache. It can affect your work and hinder you from doing the usual daily tasks. It can also bring sleepless nights because of the pain. However, if you decided to get root canal therapy, it can relieve all the pain and discomfort.
When it is performed, the pulp tissue of your tooth is removed, relieving the pain symptom.
No more missing tooth
A root canal treatment can prevent you from losing your teeth. It is given to a tooth in lieu of tooth extraction. Instead of losing your teeth, you have a chance to repair it to enjoy its normal function.
You no longer have to worry about losing a tooth or having a gap between your teeth.
It saves your tooth
Root canal therapy is a great dental option that saves your tooth from decaying. After the treatment, your damaged tooth will return to a healthy one. It will also function normally like your other teeth.
It enhances overall health
A severely damaged tooth significantly affects not just your oral health but also overall health. If you have poor oral health, you are also at risk of having health complications. You may also suffer from diabetes, heart disease, gastrointestinal infections, respiratory infections and other health conditions.
Risks of Root Canal Therapy
While root canal therapy is considered a safe dental procedure there are still a few possible complications. It is also important to know the risks before getting this treatment. These are some of the following:
Pain after the treatment.
In the actual procedures, you will surely not feel any pain because of the anesthesia. However, in the aftermath of the therapy, you are going to feel some pain for days, which is usually normal. The pain is ranging from a dull ache to a short but sharp pain. Worry not because it is manageable. Besides, your dentist may prescribe you some over the counter analgesic. In some cases, a trace of some bacteria remains in the tooth, which can cause pain and infection, months after treatment. This case is rare, so if you experience continuous pain more than a week after the therapy, contact your dentist.
Undetected cracks in the root of your tooth.
Sometimes cracks in your tooth can cause the bacteria to grow, leading to potential infection. Therefore, your dentist should thoroughly examine your damaged tooth to make sure that no cracks are left untreated.
Erosion of the filling.
After a few years, the material filling used to seal the root canal may erode. When this happens to you, the bacteria may be able to grow back into the root of your tooth. This may lead to infection again. However, this is avoidable, as your dentist will advise you to have a follow-up check-up. This is the best way to monitor your teeth after your therapy. It can possibly minimize the risk of this filling erosion.
Key Takeaway
Before getting root canal therapy, you need to consider some factors. It’s better to take a look at the benefits and risks of root canal therapy, first.
If you still have some questions, you may contact Osmin Denture to arrange an appointment. We are happy to discuss any further concerns that you may have regarding the treatment.
Related article: How Much Does Treatment for Root Canal Cost?
