When A Root Canal Is Necessary

When people hear the words "root canal," they often cringe. Oddly, most people do not understand how they work, why they are necessary, or what is involved during the process. In truth, root canals play an important role in repairing decayed teeth and preventing their loss. What's more, root canal treatment can prevent bacteria and toxins from entering the bloodstream through the infected teeth and causing other health issues.

Though most people prefer to avoid thinking of it, this type of treatment is often necessary. Below, you'll learn how root canal treatment is performed. We'll describe what you can expect and explain the costs and other factors that are involved.

Removing The Pulp

The interior of each tooth is filled with pulp and nerve tissue. If the pulp becomes infected or sustains damage, it can begin to deteriorate. Once this happens, bacteria may start growing and multiplying. Over time, an abscess can form within the infected area. If the abscess or infection is left unchecked, a patient may experience swelling in the facial area and even a hole in the side of the infected tooth. During a root canal, the pulp is extracted from the tooth's interior, preventing further infection or infiltration of bacteria into the bloodstream.

The Procedure

Before treatment begins, your dentist will take an X-ray of the affected tooth. The purpose of the X-ray is to identify the locations of infection in and around the bone. Next, an anesthetic is administered to numb the tooth and the surrounding area. Once the anesthetic has numbed the area, your dentist will drill a hole into the tooth. This is the access point through which the pulp and bacteria are extracted. The cavity of the tooth is then scraped with a number of small files before water is used to flush out any remaining particles.

The next step involves sealing the cavity. If there was a severe infection, your dentist may use medication to eliminate it prior to sealing. Then, a paste and rubber mixture is used as the sealant within the cavity, and a filling is placed on top. The final step involves the placing of a crown to protect and restore the tooth.

Is It Painful?

The treatment is not nearly as painful as most people imagine. Instead, the aversion that people exhibit is more likely due to the anxiety experienced by others during the days leading up to the procedure. After having the treatment performed, patients often claim that the level of discomfort is similar to having a filling placed. In other words, it is not painful.

Also, consider that a root canal is performed when the tooth's nerve tissue is already dead. Because all sensory perception (i.e. pain) is delivered by this nerve tissue, the fact that it is dead means that the treatment can actually be performed without anesthetic.

Costs And Other Considerations

The price of the treatment will vary, depending upon a number of factors. First, the procedure will cost less if done on an incisor than it will if performed on a molar. Second, the severity of the infection, decay, or damage within the tooth can affect the price. The more severe the impact, the more costly the procedure. Third, prices differ based upon the experience of the dentist who is performing the work. Keep in mind that an endodontist who has two additional years of root canal training may charge a higher premium.

Root canals are nothing to fear. They can help save infected or damaged teeth, and are not nearly as painful as many people think. If you have one or more teeth that is experiencing extreme pain, consult your dentist about the benefits of root canal treatment.

About the Author: Christine O'Kelly is a writer for Smile In The City, the solutions-based website of an experienced dentist in New York and his team of specialists. This New York City dentist offers solutions such as root canal treatment, dental implants, and laser periodontal plastic surgery.