Myths About Root Canal Treatment

Root canal is usually painful
Most people fear that a root canal treatment is usually associated with pain during treatment. Your dentist or endodontist will give a local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. If you are very apprehensive and tense you may need sedation, such as nitrous oxide. This eliminates the pain that is caused due to the procedure. If you have pain while the procedure is being done, tell your dentist about it. Your dentist will adjust the technique to avoid causing pain again or give more anesthesia if required.

As my tooth's nerves are removed, I won't feel any pain
Some people think that after the root canal treatment they won’t feel any pain in the treated tooth. However this is not true. Even though the pulp of the tooth is removed the nerves that surround your tooth can feel pressure and touch. These sensations are transmitted by the nerves in the surrounding tissue. In addition after the procedure you can have soreness in the concerned tooth for two to three days. You may be prescribed pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease the discomfort.

Why should I get a root canal treatment if the tooth may have to be taken out eventually?
A tooth after root canal treatment can last for the rest of your life with proper care. To increase the longevity of your teeth maintain good oral hygiene. To maintain healthy teeth and gums brush with fluoride toothpaste (twice a day) and floss everyday. Go for regular dental checkups and professional cleanings. Root canal treatment has helped to save several teeth that would or else need extraction.

If I don’t have any pain, I don't really need a root canal
It is very much possible that your tooth that needs root canal therapy may not have pain. But remember that absence of pain does not mean that your tooth is healthy. Like an infection of the pulp of the tooth may not cause pain initially. But without treatment it can cause pain and swelling. In some cases untreated infection can cause pus accumulation at the root tip in the jawbone, forming an abscess. Untreated abscess can extend and destroy the bone around the tooth and cause pain. After examination if your dentist recommends root canal treatment get it done even if there are no symptoms.

In root canal therapy the roots of my tooth are removed, or my whole tooth is removed
A tooth has outer enamel, the dentin (main body of the tooth) and soft tooth pulp (in the center of the tooth and in canals also called root canals). Nerves and blood vessels enter the tooth through the end of the root (called the apex) and then pass through a canal inside the root to the pulp chamber. In root canal treatment, the tooth pulp which may be inflamed or infected is removed. After removing the diseased pulp tissue, the space is cleaned, shaped and filled. In root canal therapy the roots of the tooth or the whole tooth is not removed.

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar

Root Canals, nothing to be afraid of…

Of all the terms you hear in a dentist’s office, to most people root canal is probably the scariest. So, what is a root canal? Simply put, a root canal is a treatment to repair and save a badly decayed or infected tooth. A root canal procedure involves removing the nerve and pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and finally sealing the inside of the tooth. Think of it simply as a filling inside the tooth instead of on top of the tooth. Without treatment, the tissue around the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.

The term “root canal” actually refers to the natural cavity within the center of the tooth. The soft area within the root canal is called the pulp or pulp chamber. The tooth’s nerve is also within the root canal.

Why does pulp and nerve need to be removed?
When a tooth’s pulp or nerve is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begins to grow within the tooth. The bacteria, along with other decayed debris, can cause an infection, or even an abscessed tooth. An abscess is a puss filled pocket that forms at the ends of the tooth’s roots. In addition to an abscess, an infection in a root canal can also cause:

1. Swelling in the gums, and even spreading to the face, neck, or head.
2. Bone loss around the tip of the root.
3. A hole can be created in the side of the tooth with drainage leaking into the gums and even through the cheek into the skin.

What causes pulp or nerve damage in the first place?

The nerve and/or pulp can become inflamed, irritated, and infected due to several things. The most common causes are deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a single tooth, large fillings, a crack/chip in the tooth, or trauma to the face.

How do you know you need a root canal?

Some of the common signs that a root canal procedure may be needed are:

- Severe toothache when chewing or applying pressure.
- Extended sensitivity or pain to hot or cold temperatures.
- A darkening of the tooth, discoloration.
- Swelling and/or tenderness in the nearby gums.
- A reoccurring pimple on the gums.

How much pain is involved?

Root canals have a long standing reputation of being very painful, but actually most patients compare it to a filling, which is minimal pain.

For a few days after the procedure there may be sensitivity due to natural tissue inflammation, especially if there was pain and infection before the procedure. Most patients control this with simple over-the-counter medications and prescribed antibiotics. Most return to normal activities the next day.

Are there any alternatives?

Saving the natural teeth is always the best option, if possible. The only alternative is to extract the tooth and replace it with either a bridge, implant, or a removable denture to restore chewing function and prevent other teeth from shifting. These alternatives are not only more expensive, but also require more treatment time and additional procedures to adjacent teeth and supporting tissues.

Prevention

Prevention is very simple in theory; brush twice a day, floss at least once a day, and see your dentist regularly. Also, when playing sports, remember to where a mouth guard to avoid trauma.

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar