Root Canal Treatment

There are a few symptoms that mean you might need a root canal

• Severe pain while chewing or biting
• Pimples on the gums
• A chipped or cracked tooth
• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the sensation has been removed
• Swollen or tender gums
• Deep decay or darkening of the gums

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.

It’s necessary to have endodontic or root canal treatment when the inside of your tooth (the pulp) becomes inflamed or infected as a result of deep decay, repeated dental procedures, faulty crowns or a crack or chip in the tooth. Trauma to your tooth may also cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, in can cause pain or lead to an abscess.

When you undergo a root canal or other endodontic treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Afterwards, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection and will continue to function like any other tooth.

Endodontic treatment helps you maintain your natural smile, continue eating the foods you love and limits the need for ongoing dental work. With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime

Although you will most likely be numb for 2-4 hours following the procedure, most patients are able to return to school or work directly following a root canal. However, it is advised against eating until the numbness is completely gone.

The cost varies depending on how complex the problem is and which tooth is affected. Molars are more difficult to treat; the fee is usually more. Most dental insurance policies provide some coverage for endodontic treatment. Average cost is around $1500 but again it depends on a lot of factors such as complexity, material used, insurance fee etc.

Generally, endodontic treatment and restoration of the natural tooth are less expensive than the alternative of having the tooth extracted. An extracted tooth must be replaced with an implant or bridge to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting.

source: ​https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/

A crown on a front tooth depends on the cause of the need of root canal therapy. The general rule of thumb is that a dental crown will need to be placed over a tooth that has just received a root canal if the tooth is a premolar or one of the back grinding teeth. These teeth need to be kept strong as they are used continuously when eating throughout the day. If the tooth had previous damage or is now a lot weaker because all of the pulp has been removed, then a dentist will often put a cap over it to keep it strong so that no further damage is done. If a dentist believes that a tooth is in need of a crown after performing a root canal treatment, then a crown should be placed on the tooth. It is essential for all teeth to be as healthy as they can be so they can function correctly

Unless you’ve had some type of sedation, you will be fine to drive home after your treatment.For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive.

You could have the whole tooth extracted, but it’s always better to try to save it — especially since root canal treatment is routine and has a very high success rate (over 90%). In terms of cost, an implant after tooth extraction will cost much more.

Keep your teeth decay-free by brushing and flossing every day. Eat a healthy diet low in sugar and avoid acidic beverages such as soda. Have regular professional cleanings and exams. And if you’re active in sports, consider ordering a custom-made mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury.