Why are Root Canal Treatments Becoming so Popular across the World?

Most people are usually reluctant to undergo a root canal treatment for obvious reasons. They assume it is a very painful procedure. However, many prominent dentists from around the world say that this is a misconception on their part. It is a virtually painless procedure thanks to advances in modern anesthesia.   Such professionals point out that such treatment becomes necessary to save the pulp of a patient’s tooth. This is a far better option than extracting the entire infected tooth. In certain cases, this central region which contain the connecting blood vessels, nerves and tissues start to swell. This may happen when a person suffers a gum infection or has cavities resulting in plaque accumulation. In some instances, such a condition can arise due to accidents resulting in a tooth fracture. In such a situation, he/she can experience excruciating pain. This dental procedure helps to relieve this discomfort.

When is a root canal treatment necessary?

When a patient visits a dentist with a toothache, such an expert will look for three common symptoms. Such signs will help such an expert determine whether such an individual has to undergo a root canal treatment. These are as follows:

• Intense Pain

The patient experience intense pain in one of his/her teeth. The intensity of this discomfort depends upon the extent of the swelling of gums in the problem region. This results from a bacterial infection.

In some cases, the tooth becomes sensitive to very hot food and beverages;

• Changes in the soft tissues in the region

The dentist notices that the infected tooth of the patient becomes dark in color.

In some cases, the soft tissues in the region change and become asymmetrical; and

• The general feeling of uneasiness or onset of fever

The patient may feel feverish because of the infection in the pulp of his/her tooth.

Only through proper diagnosis will a dentist determine whether his/her patient needs a root canal treatment. If he/she notices any of the above three symptoms in a patient, then he/she may recommend it.

What does a root canal treatment involve?

Such experts explain dentist performing a root canal treatment has to determine the extent of the damage to patient’s tooth. For this, he/she insist on taking an x-ray of the infected region of an individual's mouth. He/she will then proceed to administer local anesthesia and insert a rubber dam around the tooth. This is necessary to ensure the area is dry and free from saliva during the dental procedure. It also prevents the accumulation of bacteria in this very sensitive region.

The dentist then drills a small hole in the infected tooth of the patients. This helps him/her to remove the pulp and get rid of the bacteria with the aid of root canal file. He will also remove all other forms of debris and the nerve tissues which show signs of decay. During the entire procedure, this professional will apply sodium hypochlorite in order to disinfect the roots. Once the cleaning process is over, he/she places a sealant over the patient’s tooth.

In some instances, there is a possibility that the infection remains even after the cleaning process is over. In such cases, a dentist will wait till two weeks before applying the sealant on the patient's tooth. During the interim period, this specialist will cover the hole with a temporary filling. This helps to prevent any further bacterial contamination until the root canal treatment is complete.

Is the procedure painful?

There is a common apprehension among most people that a root canal treatment is painful. However, it is important for them to understand that this is not the case. If they feel any kind of discomfort, it is because of the infection in the pulp of their tooth. The dental surgeon performing the procedure will ensure it is virtually painless. However, it is normal for many patients to feel a certain tenderness after the treatment. This will eventually subside with time. In such cases, they may have to take over-the-counter drugs or antibiotics which their dentists prescribe. This is to prevent any further bacterial infection in the future. 

How to prepare for a root canal treatment?

To ensure their root canal treatment goes smoothly, patients should consider the following five important tips:

• Abstain from drinking alcohol or smoking tobacco

Most people assume that drinking alcohol especially whiskey helps in reducing the intensity of a toothache. Many prominent dentists say this is not true. Patients undergoing root canal treatment need to abstain from consuming such beverages before the procedure. They need to understand that the expert operating will administer local anesthesia. This is for their own safety and to relieve the pain. Professionals from creditable dental centers like https://canyonrimdentalsaltlake.com say alcohol and tobacco can have adverse reactions to such gases. This is why they insist patients should stay away from them before the treatment;

• Ask relevant questions to their dentists

When patients come to know they have to undergo a root canal treatment, they shouldn’t hesitate to ask questions. After all, it is normal for anyone in their position to be nervous about such an operation. They need to understand the entire procedure and its costs from their dentists. This includes the duration of the treatment and the type of results they can expect. They also know the steps they need to take to ensure such pulp infections don’t happen again;

• Follow all their dentist’s instructions

This is the most important aspect they need to keep in mind. Before, during and after the treatment, their dentists will give them a list of instructions to follow. This is to improve their oral hygiene and ensure they don’t suffer from such excruciating tooth pain again.  They need to follow such rules to the letter;

• Avoid consuming chewy food items

During a root canal treatment, patients can expect their jaws to remain open for up to 4 hours. After this procedure, they should try to avoid eating chewy food items as far as possible. This helps to reduce the pressure in this region of their mouths.

• Use a sensitive toothpaste and soft-bristle brush

Following a root canal treatment, it is not uncommon for patients to find their teeth have become sensitive. To minimize the discomfort, they should brush their teeth using a soft-bristle toothbrush. Their dentist will also inform them of what toothpaste brands to use during the recovery period.

 Top 4 benefits of undergoing a root canal treatment

Many dentists feel saving their patients’ natural teeth is always a better option to undergo an extraction. This is the reason why they do hesitate to recommend a root canal treatment. They point out the following important four benefits of undertaking this course of action:

• Painless treatment

They explain that patients are likely to experience less discomfort during a root canal treatment than a tooth extraction. This is because of the recent technological changes in modern anesthesia. Such individuals can now go through the entire procedure without feeling any pain.

• Relatively cheaper and more effective procedure

Patients need to understand that tooth extraction is an expensive procedure. They need to dig deep into their pockets to pay for the crowns, bridge or implants. Moreover, they have to visit their dentists more often for the follow-up treatments. This adds to the costs. This is not so in the case of a root canal treatment. Moreover, many medical insurance companies offer adequate coverage for such dental operation. The officials of such organizations only charge a nominal premium from their clients.

• Aesthetically appealing

Extraction can ruin the aesthetical appeal of the patient’s mouth. People will not fail to notice gaps in your teeth whenever he/she smile or talk to them. They are likely to assume such an individual don’t maintain a proper oral hygiene regime. This can affect his/her self-confidence in the long-run. However, this is not so in the case of root canal treatment. The crowns which dentist place in their patients’ infected tooth function like normal teeth.

• Boosts the overall wellbeing of the patient

People should never neglect a severe toothache. They should visit their dentists immediately to resolve the issue. Then only they will come to know whether they need to undergo a root canal treatment. Otherwise, the bacterial infection from the pulp not only affect their teeth. It can travel through their bodies and endanger their overall health. This is something they do not want at any costs. Fortunately, such a root canal procedure that prevent such an occurrence.

Most people love to keep their beautiful smile. They also want to be able to eat the food items they like without experience any form of discomfort. However, suffering from a severe toothache does allow this to happen. This is why need to visit their dentist when they have one. Otherwise, the bacterial infection can not only ruin their teeth but is detrimental to their overall health. Only such an expert can tell them whether or not they need to undergo a root canal treatment. However, they need to ensure that such a professional has a good reputation in the market. Moreover, he/she should have the necessary skills and expertise to conduct such a procedure. Only then can they get the type of results they are looking for.