So first of all, what exactly is root canal therapy?
Root Canal Therapy Near You
It is a dental procedure that dentists perform when the pulp in the tooth becomes infected. Before starting the treatment, your dentist in Winnipeg will give you a local anesthetic; this way, you won’t feel any pain. Then, the dentist will access the canals to clean them and fill them with a biocompatible sealing material. Sometimes, it may be necessary to place a post before the sealing material, in cases where the tooth is too weak. The final step is placing a temporary filling to protect the tooth.
Reasons to Perform Root Canal Therapy
The most common reasons for the pulp to be damaged are trauma and tooth decay. In some cases, infected teeth that require a root canal are asymptomatic; however, most of them show symptoms such as intense pain when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and drinks, pain when chewing, swelling in the gum, and tooth discolouration.
If no treatment is done, the tooth may become abscessed in time, which will cause much more damage; besides causing severe pain and swelling, an abscess can grow around the bone and result in a systemic infection.
Pain During Root Canal Therapy
Thanks to modern dentistry, root canal treatments are no more painful than any other dental procedure. However, if you are experiencing any discomfort during the treatment, you must let your dentist know because you might need additional anesthetic.
What to Expect After Root Canal Therapy
After the procedure has been completed, and the numbing medication wears off, it is usual to experience some discomfort; there is no reason to be worried about it because this can be relieved by an over the counter painkiller.
It is probable that for the next couple of days, the treated tooth becomes sensitive to extreme temperatures and chewing forces; therefore, it is advisable to avoid them for 48 hours after the treatment. If, after 72 hours, you are still sensitive, you should call your root canal dentist in Winnipeg right away.
What are The Risks of Root Canal Therapy?
Like any other dental procedure, root canals have a slight risk of complications, the most common being re-infection. A re-infection can occur when a dentist misses an infected canal or when the sealing material breaks down over time; if after a root canal, you experience severe pain, contact a dentist near you.
The situation above is nota usual occurrence; on the contrary, root canal therapy has an effectiveness rate of 95%, meaning, it is usually a successful treatment. However, keep in mind that while you wait for the permanent crown, the best thing to do is to avoid biting directly with the treated tooth. After the dental crown is in place, your tooth will look as natural as any other tooth.
You should maintain a proper oral hygiene routine and checkups to avoid further issues.
If you experience any pain or symptoms of infection, you should visit a root canal specialist in Winnipeg right away; if the tooth is left untreated, it’s possible that, over time, your only alternative is a dental extraction. Visit your dentist in Winnipeg before it’s too late to save your tooth. You won’t regret it.