3 Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals Answered
Decades ago, root canal treatments were painful. But due to dental advances and local anesthesia, you can feel almost no pain during the procedure. After the treatment, your restored tooth and crown should function as the natural tooth. You may feel sensitivity within a few days after leaving the hospital, but your tooth will adjust within a few days or weeks.
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about root canals.
What's the Difference Between Root Canal and Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is an excellent solution for an infected tooth. The procedure can help eliminate pain caused by the nerves in the affected tooth. However, this treatment means you will permanently lose your tooth. You will be left with gaps in your mouth that can adversely affect your self-esteem.
On the other hand, root canal treatment only removes the infected pulp, leaving your tooth intact. The dentist will seal the space inside the root to offer structural support to the tooth and protect it from decay. To do this, the specialist will use a material called gutta-percha or dental crowns. The crowns are more durable than the former, strengthening your tooth more. Moreover, the crowns will help reduce sensitivity, so you can return to eating normally as soon as possible.
Does Root Canal Interfere with the Jawbone?
Root canal treatment doesn't affect your jawbone as there's no tooth extraction involved. Hence, you don't have to worry about jawbone loss, which can lead to wrinkles around your mouth, chewing discomfort, facial appearance alterations, headaches, and misaligned teeth. The gap left by tooth removal will cause the jawbone around the affected area to lack essential stimulation, triggering bone loss.
What Are the Signs That You Need a Root Canal?
Root canal system infections happen when the soft tissue inside the root canal (pulp) becomes infected or inflamed for various reasons, such as deep decay, a faulty crown, or a crack in the tooth. Also, physical injury to the tooth can damage the pulp.
If you think you need root canal surgery, you should watch for symptoms, such as severe pain or discomfort when chewing, pimples on the gum, a chipped or cracked tooth, lingering sensitivity, swollen or tender gums, and darkening gums.
If you delay treatment, you will only worsen the above symptoms. You may have increased pain, infection, severe swelling that interferes with eating, and bone loss around the tooth. The disease can spread to other body parts and even enter your bloodstream. This condition can overwhelm your immune system and trigger inflammation (sepsis).
For more information, contact a dentist near you.