The dentist will determine the need for a root canal through one or several of the following methods: x-rays, the cavity test, selective anesthesia (to identify where the source of pain is when the patient doesn't know), thermal and electric testing, or by tapping on the problem tooth.
In short, when you need a root canal, it may feel like throbbing pain due to infection inside of the root of your tooth. A visible fistula, swelling, or temperature sensitivity might be present.
Dental treatment alternatives to a root canal include direct pulp capping, pulpotomy, pulpectomy, endodontic retreatment, endodontic surgery, tooth extraction, dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
Although antibiotics will not be effective in lieu of a root canal, your provider may prescribe a preventive course of these medications following your root canal treatment. This is to reduce your risk of developing infection in the bone surrounding the tooth, which prophylactic antibiotics are very effective at doing.
If the infection has seeped into the tooth's pulp, then root canal therapy becomes unavoidable. On the contrary, fillings can be used instead of a root canal if the tooth has a smaller cavity or a minor decay, which has not yet reached the pulp.
Root canal treatment is needed when dental X-rays show that the pulp has been damaged by a bacterial infection. The pulp may become inflamed if it's infected by bacteria, allowing the bacteria to multiply and spread. The symptoms of a pulp infection include: pain when eating or drinking hot or cold food and drink.
If you wait to have a root canal, you're only providing that infection more time to gain strength and spread. Infection can spread from the tooth into the bloodstream, and then you have a much more serious issue than a common and routine dental practice.
Teeth that receive a root canal and then a filling and crown last about 20 years. Teeth that receive either a filling or a crown after a root canal last about 11 years. Teeth that receive no restorative work after a root canal last about 6.5 years.
Root canal treatments can vary in cost mainly due to insurance and location of the infected tooth. In general the further back in your mouth the more difficult the RCT and the more expensive. Root canal costs can be anywhere from $300 to $900 (or more if you see an endodontist).
Root canals are considered to be the most painful because they require removing the nerve tissue on a tooth's root. The removal of the nerve tissue is not only excruciatingly painful but also commonly leads to infection.
Is a root canal painful? Since patients are given anesthesia, a root canal isn't more painful than a regular dental procedure, such as a filling or getting a wisdom tooth removed. However, a root canal is generally a bit sore or numb after the procedure, and can even cause mild discomfort for a few days.
X-ray results, fistulous tracts, tooth discoloration, and nerve exposure are the main indicators that a root canal is necessary. Dentists may also use testing methods to determine the need for a corresponding treatment.
Rinse your mouth with a warm salt solution to help kill bacteria. Soak a cotton ball with apple cider vinegar and press it gently on the symptomatic tooth. Alternate hot and cold compresses on the area of tenderness. Use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil)
If your tooth is throbbing this could be a sign of early onset tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria eats away at the enamel on the exterior of your tooth, causing a cavity in the tooth which gradually becomes bigger as bacteria builds.
An untreated root canal can not only result in bone loss and infection but can also result in an acute abscess. An abscess is the formation of pus on the infected tissue or the area of decay. Some of the symptoms of an acute abscess include unbearable pain, swelling and fever.
A dead tooth can stay in your mouth for up to several days or months; however, keeping a dead tooth may lead to problems with your jaw and also result in the spreading of decay and bacteria to other teeth. Most dentists will recommend having the dead tooth extracted and replaced with a denture, bridge, or implant.
The Consequences of Avoiding a Root Canal
If the infection is concerning and left untreated it can cause you to lose your tooth or part of your jaw or even lead to dental abscesses or a life-threatening stroke, sepsis, or heart attack. As the infection progresses so will the pain which will be excruciating.
The root canal procedure is completed in two separate visits to ensure that the tooth is thoroughly cleaned out, sealed up, and protected from further damage.
The usual time for a basic root canal procedure is between 30 minutes to an hour, assuming the tooth has one canal. However, the appointment itself may take up to 90 minutes due to the many steps required.
How long does a root canal take? Depending on the amount of infection in your tooth, root canal therapy may require one or two appointments. On average, a root canal takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete. If you are having treatment on a larger tooth with multiple roots, it can take up to an hour and a half.
For many patients, getting a root canal is no more painful than getting a cavity filled thanks to the use of local anesthetic and modern endodontic techniques. Most people report feeling comfortable throughout their procedure, feeling pressure and movement at times, but not pain.
In general, tooth extractions are cheaper than root canals, and they can be performed by general dentists as well as endodontists. Many people choose extraction instead of root canals simply because of the cost. However, getting a dental implant to replace your natural tooth can cost a lot of money.
A dental school, a public clinic, a government-subsidized health care plan, or a financing option can all be considered to help you pay for the procedure. If the above options are not ideal for you, then booking your root canal procedure with Flossy may be the best choice.