Are you worried about getting a root canal? How much do we even know about root canals? Many people have the misconception that a root canal is painful. If you are worried about getting a root canal treatment, find a good dentist who will address all your concerns and help you feel prepared for the upcoming surgery. Following are five things you should know about root canals.
1. What Is A Root Canal?
Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic therapy, is designed to remove bacteria from the infected tooth and save the natural tooth. It can also prevent reinfection of the tooth. This process is carried out in the pulp of the tooth, which is then carefully cleaned, disinfected, filled, and sealed.
2. What Is The Procedure Of Root Canals?
A root canal therapy requires three steps and around one to three sessions to complete.
Cleaning The Root Canal
The patient will be put under local anesthesia. The dentist will make a small hoke on the surface of the tooth and will remove all the infected, diseased and dead pulp tissues with dental tools.
Filling The Root Canal
The dentist will clean the hollow area using tiny files and irrigation solutions. The tooth will be filled with a rubber-like material with the help of adhesive cement to seal the canal completely.
Adding A Crown Or Filling
Your tooth will now be more fragile than before as there’s no pulp to provide nourishment. However, the tooth will receive nourishment from the ligaments attached to the bone. The supply is enough, but your tooth will be more brittle, therefore, a crown or filling will offer protection. Until the filling or crown is placed avoid chewing from the affected tooth.
3. Does A Root Canal Hurt?
After root canal therapy, the tooth is dead. You will no longer feel any pain as the nerve tissue is removed.
One of the biggest fears of a root canal treatment is that it is extremely painful. However, if you get your root canal treatment in Shreveport, LA, your experience will be relatively painless. Moreover, the pain you feel comes from the infected tooth and not because of a root canal.
4. When Do You Need Root Canal Therapy?
A deep cavity, loose filling, or a cracked tooth can allow bacteria to enter the pulp, which can cause a tooth abscess. The bacteria can destroy the pulp. If left untreated, the bacteria will eventually penetrate through the tooth opening and can infect your bone. This will further cause more complications as it will weaken the bone, break it down, and your tooth will become loose. Eventually, the infection will spread, and your tooth will have to be extracted.
In case of an infection, you will face the following symptoms
- Persistent tooth pain
- Sensitivity to heat and cold
- Tooth discoloration
- Swollen gums
- Pain while biting or touching the affected tooth
5. How Much Does A Root Canal Cost?
The cost of a root canal treatment varies widely, depending on the severity of the issue, but it is relatively cost-efficient. In case you opt for tooth extraction it can cost you more in the long run as a missing tooth can cause malocclusion, misaligned teeth, or difficulty in chewing.
The Best Root Canal Treatment In Shreveport, LA
If you suffer from an infected tooth, you can visit us in Shreveport, where our dentist, Dr. Chris. A. Mott, will provide you with the best root canal treatment. Our patients have little to no pain after root canal therapy. Contact us or book an appointment today!