Injury, deep cavities, cracks, or decay can affect a tooth causing an infection of the pulp. Such infections can cause serious complications, including severe toothaches, and must be promptly addressed. Dentists usually recommend root canal therapy to save the tooth from removal, and the procedure is extremely common with a high success rate. Your Dentist in Livermore, CA, can explain further, but here are some quick FAQs about the treatment.
What symptoms indicate the need for root canal therapy?
When the pulp and living tissues inside a tooth are affected, you may experience pain and sensitivity. One of the common symptoms is heightened sensitivity to hot and cold foods. Patients may also have an abscess in the gums. At times, there may not be imminent symptoms of a tooth infection, but a dentist may detect changes or find the extent of damage in an X-ray.
What are the steps in root canal therapy?
In general, root canal therapy can be divided into the following steps:
- Consultation: If you have symptoms of a tooth infection, your dentist will usually do a complete oral exam and order X-rays. The underlying cause could be decay, a deep cavity, or even a crack. They will check whether there is a possibility of saving the tooth, and when root canal therapy is feasible, the dentist will explain the next steps.
- Using local anesthesia: RCT is performed under local anesthesia. Your dentist will inject the anesthetic agent into the surrounding gums and wait for the tooth to get numb. They will then place a dental dam to keep the tooth clean and dry.
- Creating an access opening: The next step is to drill into the tooth to create an opening to reach the root canals. The dentist will use a series of dental files to remove the pulp, tissues, and blood vessels. If there is any decay, they will remove that.
- Cleaning the tooth: The tooth is then cleaned using special agents to prevent risks of reinfections. The final step is to seal the tooth with a permanent filling. If they don’t complete root canal therapy in a single session, a temporary filling will be placed after each appointment.
Read also: Unveiling the Sweet Symphony of Promimba Gummies: A Melodious Blend of Health and Flavor
Will root canal therapy hurt?
No, there is no pain or discomfort during root canal therapy. In fact, the experience is no different than a tooth extraction, except for the required time. If you still have concerns, you can talk to your dentist.
Why do dentists recommend a crown after RCT?
Once the tooth has gone through root canal therapy, it becomes extremely weak and is prone to cracks and damage. A dental crown can encase it entirely and restore its shape and function. Getting a crown is a painless procedure, and you will need two appointments. During the first one, your dentist may buff and prepare the tooth as required and take impressions of your bite. They will send the molds to a dental lab and order the custom crown, which should be ready in two weeks. During the final appointment, they will finally fix the crown.
Are dental crowns durable?
Yes, dental crowns are durable and can last as long as 15 years. However, should the crown ever break or chip, you should see a dentist immediately for a replacement.
Final takeaway
In most cases, root canal therapy can save a tooth from extraction. However, it is possible to get a new infection, and when that happens, you will need an additional procedure called root canal retreatment. If you have any specific questions, ask your dentist in Livermore, and they can offer more insights pertaining to your symptoms.
