Gresham Root Canals
If you were to ask the majority of the population which dental procedure causes them the most worry and concern, we at Main Street Dental are pretty confident that that answer would overwhelmingly be Root Canal treatment. Historically root canals have been associated with many visits to the dentist, significant pain, and discomfort.
The reality today is that for most people, root canal treatment is no worse than having a filling, and that is because of the dramatic improvement in dentist skills and understanding, of how we perform Gresham root canals. Root canal treatment, which is also referred to as endodontics, is a procedure that dentists use to deal with an infection which is located in the center of the tooth. The cause of the infection is due to bacteria which live in the mouth, penetrating the tooth. This can happen due to a defective filling, tooth decay, or as a consequence of a slip, trip or fall.
A tooth is composed of two parts the part which we can see, which is known as the crown, and the root, which grows deep down into the bone of the jaw, providing stability, and a solid foundation for the tooth. Other components of teeth include the enamel, which is the hard outer coating, the dentine, which sits just under the enamel, the cementum which coats the surface of the root, and the dental pulp, which is the soft tissue at the center of the tooth.
The tooth’s root canal system contains the dental pulp, and covers the entire area from the crown of the tooth, all the way to the end of the root. It is not uncommon for a tooth to have more than one root canal.
Many patients associate root canals with pain and discomfort, but local anesthetics and advancements in modern dentistry have made Gresham root canals highly tolerable procedures that are often no less comfortable than getting a standard filling. Upon completion, a restored tooth that has undergone a root canal will blend in with surrounding teeth – virtually undetectable to the average eye. More than 9 out of 10 root canal procedures are successful, and most treatments last many years or even a lifetime.
What Are The Symptoms of Pulp Infection?
Most patients who eventually need root canal treatment will complain of pain when they are eating hot, or cold food, or pain when biting or chewing. Another symptom could be that of a loose tooth. A quick word of warning, in some instances, as the pulp dies off, the pain might disappear, and then patients mistakenly think that the issue has resolved itself. The reality is that when this happens, the infection has spread, through the entire root canal system.
As the infection develops some of the old symptoms will return, with some new ones thrown into the mix. The biting and chewing pain is likely to return, the gums near to the infected tooth may start to swell. Some patients may experience a swelling of the face, and the tooth itself may begin to ooze. The shade of the tooth is also likely to darken. The more an infection becomes established, the less likely root canal treatment will be effective, and in some instances, your dentist will recommend the removal of your tooth. Unfortunately, root canal infections do not respond to antibiotics.
What Does The Root Canal Process Involve?
The key to successful root canal treatment revolves around the removal of the bacteria, and this can be achieved by either removing the tooth (extraction) or removing the bacteria from the root canal system (Root Canal Treatment).
Although the removal of a tooth is an option, it is always a last resort, wherever possible, our recommendation is to keep as many of your natural teeth as possible. Once we have managed to remove all of the bacteria, we will fill the root canal area, and then seal the tooth using a crown or a cap. Once the procedure has been completed, any inflamed tissue near to the infected tooth will tend to heal naturally. The procedure is generally completed while the patient is under an anaesthetic, and has a high degree of success. Upon completion of the treatment, a tooth can last up to 10 years.
Gresham Root Canals FAQ
Q: Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?
A: In years gone by, root canal treatment was a daunting experience that was responsible for putting many people in fear of dental treatment. The good news is that today, it is rarely any more painful than receiving a filling. The critical thing to remember is that long-term root canal treatment does not cause pain, quite the opposite, it relieves it. The process is also a lot more efficient, with excellent pain management. In most cases, patients only need to visit our offices on one occasion for their treatment.
Q: Is Root Canal Treatment Expensive?
A: Root Canal treatment is preferable to tooth extraction for a number of reasons. As well as the benefit of retaining your natural teeth, it is also considerably cheaper than removing teeth and then replacing them with a dental implant or bridge. Your dental coverage will also have an impact on the overall cost.
Q: Will I Need Any Ongoing Treatment Following Root Canal Treatment?
A: No, there is a possibility of a slight increase in pain for the first few days following treatment, but this will quickly settle down. Then all that is required is for the patient to clean their teeth thoroughly, floss and visit the dentist every six months.
Q: Am I a candidate for a root canal?
A: You could be a candidate for a root canal if decay or damage has allowed bacteria to infect the pulp inside your tooth. A root canal could also be the right treatment for you if you prefer to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible instead of extracting both the healthy and diseased portions of your tooth. For more information about root canals and whether they are right for you, schedule a dental exam and consultation at your earliest convenience.
Q: What should I expect during my root canal treatment?
A: If you decide to undergo a root canal, the first step in your procedure will involve a local anesthetic. Once your tooth root is numb, the diseased portion of your tooth pulp will be removed and potentially treated for bacterial infection. The tooth will then be sealed and filled before being restored with a crown.
Q: What type of post-treatment care is required after a root canal?
A: It is normal for teeth to become inflamed after a root canal, potentially causing sensitivity for the first several days following treatment. However, normal brushing and flossing habits can be resumed immediately after treatment and restoration is complete.
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