ROOT CANAL TREATMENT : FACTS TO KNOW 

• What is a Root Canal?

  • A root canal is a dental procedure involving the removal of the soft center of the tooth, the pulp. The pulp is made up of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels of the tooth.

  • During root canal procedure, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed                  

• How can a teeth survive without a pulp ?

  • A root canal does not kill the tooth, and after a root canal is complete, the tooth will be able to function as it normally does. However, root canals do remove the nerves inside the tooth, but these nerves serve very little function in a fully formed tooth.

• When does a root canal is required for a tooth?
  •  Tooth experiencing any of the following symptoms may require root canal treatment:-
    • Severe pain while chewing or biting
    • Pimples on the gums
    • A chipped or cracked tooth
    • Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the sensation has been removed
    • Swollen or tender gums
    • Deep decay or darkening of the gums
• What are the steps involved in the procedure and number of appointments required ?
  • It might  take 2 to 4 sitting based on the severity of the condition 
    • Stage 1: Diagnosing the Infected Pulp.
    • Stage 2: Getting rid of the Infected Pulp.
    • Stage 3: A new Root Canal Filling is Placed.
    • Stage 4: The Tooth is Restored

• Will I feel pain during/ after the procedure?

  • 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, It can even cause mild discomfort for a few days.

  • For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with  medications prescribed.  For sometime after treatment completion , teeth might feel slightly different  from other teeth. However, if you have  severe pain and pressure persists more than few days , call your dentist .

• Can I go to school or work after getting a root canal?
  • Although you will most likely be numb for 2-4 hours following the procedure, most patients are able to return to school or work directly following a root canal. However, it is advised against eating until the numbness is completely gone. 
• How much a root canal treatment cost ? 
  • ​​​​​​​It is less expensive than the tooth being extracted. Replacing an extracted tooth with an implant or bridge to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting tends to cost more than endodontic treatment and appropriate restoration.
• What can we eat after root canal ? 
  • After a root canal, try to eat soft foods that require very little chewing.

    Avoid hard or hot foods that might hurt your teeth. Some dentists suggest to not eat for a few hours until the numbness in your mouth wears off so you don’t bite your cheek or tongue.