Did you know that approximately 41,000 root canals are performed daily, totaling over 15 million procedures annually? This routine procedure is a well-established method for saving infected teeth and helping restore their function. While this may be a common treatment for us, patients often have questions about what they can expect and how to prevent the need for root canal therapy in the future. At Esparza Dentistry, we believe the key to our patient’s comfort is providing all the answers they are looking for and ensuring they know what to expect from the treatment.
What Is Root Canal Therapy and Why Do I Need It?
Root canal treatment becomes necessary when oral bacteria invades the inner pulp of a tooth, causing inflammation. This typically occurs from deep cavities or if a tooth is cracked or damaged, allowing plaque and bacteria to infect the pulp.
Signs that you may require root canal therapy include persistent tooth pain, heightened sensitivity to hot or cold, or tooth discoloration. Patients may also notice swelling or tenderness in the nearby gums and the development of bumps on the gums near the affected tooth.
What Does Root Canal Therapy Include?
Root canal therapy typically requires one to two appointments. Depending on your medical needs and the severity of the infection, we might recommend a course of antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications for you to take a few days before your procedure. This allows us to manage and reduce the existing infection before the treatment.
The process typically involves taking X-rays, applying a local anesthetic, and carefully removing the infected pulp. After cleaning and disinfecting the area, the tooth is sealed with a temporary dental filling. We will then fit a dental crown onto the treated tooth during the final step. These crowns safeguard your teeth and reinstate the functionality of your bite.
Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?
Root canal treatment, often surrounded by misconceptions, is not as painful as many people anticipate. Modern dentistry has advanced significantly, making this procedure much more comfortable than in the past. Local anesthesia effectively numbs the area, ensuring that patients experience minimal discomfort during the process.
While some may feel mild soreness or sensitivity following the treatment, this is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relief medications and subsides within a few days. The fear of pain should not deter you from receiving this tooth-saving treatment, as the discomfort experienced from an untreated infection is likely to be far greater.
What If I Choose Not To Get Root Canal Therapy?
Avoiding root canal therapy can result in worsening pain, potential tooth loss, and severe complications. It can impact your oral health and overall well-being. Seeking timely treatment is crucial to address the infection, alleviate discomfort, preserve the affected tooth, and prevent system health issues. While the infection begins in the tooth’s pulp, it can spread to other teeth and body parts, leading to more serious problems.
Delaying treatment can cause severe root decay and bone loss. At this point, root canal therapy would no longer be a viable treatment option. If treatment is delayed and the tooth cannot be saved, tooth extraction will be needed. If this is the case, we have restorative options, but ultimately, our aim is to save the natural tooth whenever possible.
What Kind of Restorative Options Do You Provide?
After root canal therapy, we will place a custom-made dental crown over the tooth. Esparza Dentistry employs CEREC technology to craft personalized ceramic crowns on-site. This eliminates the wait time associated with off-site dental labs and the need for temporary crowns. Creating a crown with our CEREC machine typically takes one to two hours, ensuring a swift and efficient restoration process.
In instances where the infection extends to other teeth or if saving the affected tooth isn’t possible, we provide replacement solutions using mini dental implants. Offering implant-based solutions is important because it can help prevent further issues from occurring. If a lost tooth isn’t promptly replaced, your gums can become vulnerable to further infection, and adjacent teeth can shift toward the gap.
We provide mini dental implants because they are much smaller than traditional implants and can often be placed in a single visit. Since they measure half the size of traditional implants at approximately 3 millimeters in diameter, they are less invasive, do not require incisions, and can support tooth restoration much sooner.
How Can I Prevent the Need for Root Canal Therapy?
At Esparza Dentistry, we provide regular teeth cleanings to eliminate plaque buildup and prevent cavities. Additionally, our dental exams are central to detecting any issues that may occur over time. While we recommend a checkup every six months, if you are experiencing tooth pain, you should call us as soon as possible. To prevent the need for an emergency root canal, proactive dental care is essential.
Visit Us Today for Your Dental Checkup
If you’re experiencing dental pain or any symptoms indicative of a tooth infection, don’t hesitate to reach out. Root canal therapy could be the key to relieving your discomfort and saving your tooth. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at Esparza Dentistry. Our dedicated team is ready to help you achieve optimal oral health.
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