When you think about the things that go on in your mouth, it’s probably not a surprise that dentists see some weird cases. Root canals are fairly common, especially for people who have a habit of chewing on ice cubes, hard or sticky foods, or anything else that could potentially crack your teeth. If you have ever experienced dental pain from a root canal, then you know how much they hurt. Luckily they aren’t so bad once you get over the initial shock of knowing your dentist will be poking around in your jaw and drilling into your tooth. Read on to learn more about root canal treatment and whether or not you should get one to prevent future issues with these teeth.
What is a Root Canal?
Essentially, a root canal is a procedure that removes the infected pulp from a tooth. The pulp is full of blood vessels and connective tissue inside the tooth. The end of the root of the tooth is called the “root canal.” If the pulp becomes infected, it can be really painful. A root canal is the best way to treat this type of infection. A root canal is usually performed on the tooth’s root, which is the part of the tooth that’s embedded in the jaw.
The pulp, a soft tissue in the center of the tooth that contains blood vessels and connective tissue, is separated from the root canal, preventing it from spreading to the rest of the tooth and jawbone. Afterward, the root canal is filled and sealed with a special material. The tooth is then treated with a filling or crown to restore its strength and look.
What to Expect During Root Canal Treatment
The first thing your dentist will probably do is numb your tooth and the surrounding tissue, and then open up the tooth to view the infected area. Sometimes, the infected pulp can be removed with a special tool that keeps the surrounding area intact, but most of the time, the dentist will use a small drill to clean out the infected pulp.
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.
Does a root canal hurt?
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.
Just like your other teeth, a tooth that has received a root canal is susceptible to decay and needs to be maintained with good oral hygiene. Your mouth is full of bacteria, and if appropriate oral care is not maintained then there is a risk that decay can develop.
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.
Since each tooth has its own unique anatomy, the length of time for a root canal will vary from one patient to the next. One thing that stays the same, though, is the pain level. Getting a root canal will probably be one of the most painful dental procedures you’ll ever go through. While it’s certainly not pleasant, a root canal is a one-time procedure. In fact, the vast majority of people who receive root canals are able to avoid any further complications in the future.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?
The cost of a root canal will vary depending on where you live, how complicated the procedure is, and whether or not you have dental insurance. As an approximate cost, you can expect to pay about $350 for the initial visit and treatment, and then about $50 for a follow-up appointment to place the filling. If you have insurance, you will receive a bill from your provider, and you will be responsible for paying the portion that isn’t covered.
If you don’t have insurance, you can still receive quality treatment. There are a few ways to find affordable root canal treatment. According to this report, 98 percent of root canals last one year, 92 percent last five years, and 86 percent last ten years or longer. Molars treated by endodontists had a 10 year survival rate, significantly higher than that of molars treated by general dentists.
Zirconia implants
The most common holistic alternatives to root canals are: Zirconia implants: These biocompatible tooth restorations provide unparalleled stability, function, and feel. They are used to replace your natural tooth root and are topped with a natural-looking crown. The need for a crown is typically determined by the amount of remaining tooth structure after a root canal. Generally, if more than half of the tooth is gone, a crown is indicated to restore the tooth’s structural integrity.
Find out if there is a community health center in your area. Some health centers provide low-cost dental services, including root canals. Another option is to ask your dentist if he or she offers payment plans. Ask your dentist what you can do to make the treatment more affordable. Your dentist may be able to use a different filling material that is less expensive than the one he or she usually uses.
Why You Should Get a Root Canal
If you have a tooth that is not going to be removed, it’s probably a good idea to have the pulp removed. There are many reasons why someone would need a root canal, but the most common is dental decay. It’s important to note that decay can occur anywhere in your mouth, not just your teeth. Root canals can help save your teeth that have damaged pulp. Keeping a tooth is the better option.
The need for a crown is typically determined by the amount of remaining tooth structure after a root canal. Generally, if more than half of the tooth is gone, a crown is indicated to restore the tooth’s structural integrity.
Proper root canal treatment will save a tooth, and with good dental hygiene, it should last a lifetime, without the need for further treatment. With the original tooth, the line of your jaw stays firm, your teeth are healthy, and you will need fewer visits to the dentist. Root canals are needed for a cracked tooth from injury or genetics, a deep cavity, or issues from a previous filling. Patients generally need a root canal when they notice their teeth are sensitive, particularly to hot and cold sensations.
Dental X-rays
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. Root canals are needed for a cracked tooth from injury or genetics, a deep cavity, or issues from a previous filling. Patients generally need a root canal when they notice their teeth are sensitive, particularly to hot and cold sensations. A dental crown may be needed to protect a weak tooth from breaking and to support and cover a tooth with a large filling. A tooth that has had a root canal treatment may also need a crown. In this case, it will protect the restored tooth. Crowns can be made from porcelain, gold or porcelain fused to metal.
The pulp is responsible for sending nutrients to the tooth, as well as being a biological barrier protecting you from infection. Once the pulp becomes infected, it reduces the amount of these necessary things being sent to the tooth. If left untreated, an infected tooth can lead to serious complications, including the need to have a tooth removed.
How to Find a Good Dentist and Avoid Rotting Teeth
Finding a good dentist is important when it comes to staying healthy and avoiding expensive dental procedures. Do your research and ask a few questions before you book an appointment.
What are their hours?
Are they open on the weekends?
How long have they been practicing dentistry?
Is their staff friendly?
Even if you’re not excited about going to the dentist, it’s important that you find a good one. If you have a dentist that you like, you’re more likely to continue going and taking care of your teeth. What’s more, you can use your dentist’s knowledge to help you navigate other hygiene-related issues. You can ask them about the best way to floss, the best toothpaste to use, and how often you should be going in for cleanings. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to avoid painful and costly dental problems in the future.
The Bottom Line
While root canals are painful, they’re usually a one-time procedure, and they’re often the best way to save a tooth that has been infected. Finding a good dentist is important if you want to avoid problems in the future. You can ask your dentist about the best ways to take care of your teeth and avoid future infections.
References:
1: Dental x-rays and risk of meningioma
https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.26625
https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.26625
https://doi.org/10.1563/AAID-JOI-D-09-00079