The 21st century is an amazing time to be alive in. Just a few decades ago, a decayed or infected tooth was usually extracted. Nowadays, you can keep your teeth for a lifetime—all thanks to root canal therapy! However, a sizeable number of people consider the procedure to be unsafe and ineffective. We’re here to bust that myth.
According to the American Association of Endodontists, root canal therapy doesn’t cause any other incidental medical problems. Millions of people get a successful root canal therapy every year. You’re not alone!
When, why, from where, and how do you get root canal therapy for your teeth? This blog covers it all.
Why is root canal therapy needed?
The decision to get endodontic treatment isn’t your own. Your dentist will recommend it to you if the pulp inside the root canal of your teeth becomes infected. The root canal is the area below your gums. It’s responsible for providing nutrients to your teeth.
Apart from infection and inflammation, the pulp could also be subject to an injury, decay, or a crack.
Signs and Symptoms
Some common signs which indicate that you might need a root canal therapy are:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Severe tooth pain when force is applied
- Swollen and tender gums
- Discolored teeth
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
Does it cause any pain?
The whole point of root canal therapy is to relieve pain. And due to the availability of the latest anesthetics, the process has become relatively painless.
The gums or teeth might feel sensitive for the first few days after the treatment. Your tooth also might also feel different than it used to. But with adequate help from a reliable dentist, the initial discomfort will heal in no time.
What is the process like?
Step 1: Anesthetics are applied to the tooth area to make it numb.
Step 2: The pulp is extracted from the root canal.
Step 3: The pulp region is cleaned and shaped so re-filling can be easier.
Step 4: Medicine is applied to the root chamber to kill bacteria, if any.
Step 5: The root canal is filled temporarily with a rubber-like substance.
Step 6: A crown is used to restore the tooth to its original form.
Added bonus: Getting root canal therapy costs less than getting an extraction!
It’s always better to detect signs of a root canal infection at an early age. We don’t want your precious smile to be affected because of a lost tooth. If you’re in Woodlands, Los Angeles, visit West Hills Smiles at your earliest to get checked for any of the symptoms. Book an appointment for dental treatment with us either online or by calling at (818) 346-4303.