Root Canal Treatment: Procedure, Benefits, Recovery And Cost

In a root canal treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed. The tooth is filled with a crown or filling for protection so that it continues to function like any other tooth. Root canal treatment is a virtually painless procedure and often leaves you with less discomfort during recovery than if you have your natural tooth extracted and is also cost-effective. With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can even last a lifetime.

Some of the benefits of getting a root canal procedure from your dentist can be:

• Improves dental and general health
• It is almost painless Keeps nearby teeth from becoming infected
• Improves the appearance of teeth
• Prevents tooth decay
• Prevents jawbone deterioration

Who performs Root Canal Treatment?

Endodontists specialize in tooth discomfort, disease, and infection; they have special training to perform root canal treatments.

Types of Root Canal Treatment

The different types of root canal treatments include:

• Non-surgical Primary Root Canal Treatment: Primary root canal treatment is a non-surgical procedure used to treat an infection or inflammation in the tooth.
• Secondary Root Canal Treatment: This subsequent root canal therapy is required when the first procedure does not resolve the issue.
• Apicoectomy: The infected tissue and tip of the tooth's root are removed during an apicoectomy, a microsurgical technique. This is necessary if the standard root canal procedures have failed.
• Pulpotomy: A pulpotomy is a technique for removing the nerve and damaged pulp from the tooth's crown, usually performed on a child.
• Pulpectomy: is also a root canal procedure for children; it's done when the entire tooth pulp needs to be removed.

Preparations before Root Canal Treatment

Your doctor will provide you with detailed information on preparing for your procedure. Some preparations can be:

• Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: You must not take alcohol or smoke for 24 hours before the treatment.
• Medication: A painkiller like Ibuprofen should be taken a few hours before the therapy begins, according to most dentists.
• Eat before the treatment: As anesthesia will be injected into the gums during the process, your mouth may feel numb for hours afterward, making it difficult to eat, thus eating a couple of hours before the procedure is recommended.

How long does Root Canal Treatment take?

A single root canal session can last between 30 and 60 minutes on average, but in complicated cases, your dentist might need more time.

Are Root Canals Painful?

Many people think getting a root canal treatment will be painful and will cause them a lot of discomfort. However, this is not true in all cases. Since the source of your dental problem is eliminated during the root canal, most people feel instant relief. But, if you have throbbing pain following a root canal, contact your healthcare professional immediately.

Risks associated with Root Canal Treatment 

The following risks are associated with getting a root canal treatment:

• Discoloration in the treated tooth
• Sinus congestion
• Reinfection 
• Teeth can become quite brittle.

Root canal treatment is a highly successful procedure and has a success rate of more than 95%.  However, its still important that you look after your teeth when recovering from a root canal treatment. You should avoid biting on hard foods until all your treatment is complete. Over-the-counter painkillers also can be used to relieve any discomfort.

To prevent the need for further root canal treatment, follow these steps:

• Maintain good oral hygiene
  
  
• Avoid consuming too many sugary foods
  
  
• Give up on smoking if you're a smoker

If you have already had a root canal please take care of the following things:

• Don’t eat hard foods right after a root canal treatment.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• Floss once a day
• Reduce sugary foods and drinks