Ask anyone who has suffered a toothache, and they will tell you that the pain is worse than one can describe in words. When a tooth is infected, there are two typical options – extraction and root canal treatment. You can look online for a reliable endodontist or general dentist Sterling Heights to know about the treatment. For your help, we have answered five common questions below.
Does it hurt to get root canal treatment?
It depends. Many patients do experience some pain and sensitivity during the first couple of sessions, but in such cases, the dentist will use local anesthesia immediately if the patient complains of pain.
What is the procedure like?
Before proceeding with root canal treatment, the dentist will take X-rays of your mouth to check the extent of the infection. Once local anesthesia is administered, the dentist will then drill a hole in the affected tooth to reach the infected pulp. This is followed by the removal of the pulp, tissues, and bacteria using special instruments. The tooth will then be cleaned and filled with materials that can treat the infection from within. After the tooth is treated, the tooth will be permanently sealed, and a crown will be placed to add to its functionality.
What are the risks of root canal treatment?
If the pulp and infected tissue is not removed properly, there could be reinfections and a need for retreatments. Also, there is a risk of damage to the enamel.
What to do after root canal treatment?
Your dentist may advise you against eating hard foods for the next couple of days. You could be prescribed antibiotics and painkillers to deal with the pain. The pain is usually rare, temporary, and should go away within a few days.
Is root canal treatment better than extraction?
Dentists and endodontists usually do their best to preserve a tooth if they can, and for that, root canal treatment is definitely the first preferred choice. However, it depends on the extent of infection and if root canal treatment can help fix the tooth. Your dentist will rely on the initial diagnosis and X-rays to take a call on that.
It can take more than a couple of sessions to get root canal treatment done. You will also need a crown on the treated tooth to ensure that the enamel is strong and not vulnerable to fractures. Check online for top-rated dental clinics in Sterling Heights now for an appointment.