How to know if you need root canal therapy
If you're reading this, you're either curious about root canal therapy or are suffering from some type of pain and think you might need a root canal. Root canal therapy, far from being something to dread, can be the difference between saving your natural tooth and losing it. In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about root canal therapy—what it is, when you might need it and what to expect from the procedure.
What is root canal therapy and why might you need it?
Understanding the basics
Root canal therapy, commonly referred to as a "root canal," is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. The term "root canal" comes from cleaning the canals inside a tooth's root. When the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures or traumatic injury, root canal therapy is necessary to remove the affected tissue and seal the tooth to prevent further damage.
Preserving your natural tooth
One of the main goals of root canal therapy is to preserve your natural tooth. Extraction might seem like an easier solution, but keeping your natural tooth has significant benefits. It helps maintain your jawbone structure, retains your natural bite and alignment and eliminates the need for a dental implant or bridge.
The purpose in dental health
Root canal therapy is essential in maintaining overall dental health. It prevents the spread of infection to other teeth, relieves pain and discomfort and helps you avoid more complicated dental procedures down the line. It's a proactive measure that ensures your dental hygiene and overall health aren't compromised.
Signs and symptoms indicating the need for root canal therapy
The "good news" is, for the most part, if you're experiencing any of the three below symptoms, it might be time to see an endodontist and consider root canal therapy. That makes it easy to determine how to know if you need root canal therapy.
Persistent pain
One of the most telling signs that you might need a root canal is persistent tooth pain. This pain can range from mild to severe and may worsen when you eat or apply pressure to the tooth. While pain isn't always an indicator that you need a root canal, it's a symptom you shouldn't ignore.
Sensitivity to heat and cold
If you experience prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, it could be a sign that the nerves and blood vessels in your tooth are damaged or infected. This sensitivity may start as a dull ache and quickly escalate if left untreated.
Swollen or tender gums
Swelling or tenderness in the gums around the affected tooth is another common symptom. This swelling can be accompanied by a small, pimple-like bump on the gum, known as a dental abscess, which is a clear indicator of infection.
Diagnosing the need for a root canal therapy
Initial examination
When you visit your dentist with symptoms suggesting you might need a root canal, the first step is a thorough examination. Your dentist will check for visible signs of infection, swelling and tenderness and will ask about your pain and sensitivity levels.
Many times, our patients receive a referral from their dentist to see us for root canal therapy. That's because the dentist recognizes the importance of board-certified endodontists like us to focus specifically on the task of root canal therapy. A referral isn't needed, though, because every endodontist is a dentist, so you can contact our office and set up an appointment directly if you're experiencing any of the symptoms we mentioned above.
X-Rays and imaging
To get a clearer picture of what's happening inside your tooth, your endodontist will take X-rays or use advanced imaging technology like the Carestream 8200 Cone Beam CT (CBCT). These images help identify areas of decay, infection and damage to the surrounding bone structure. They provide the detailed information necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
Pulp vitality testing
In every case at West Fort Worth Endodontics, your endodontist will perform a pulp vitality test to check the health of the tooth's pulp. This test involves applying cold or electric stimulation to the tooth to see how the nerve responds. An abnormal response can indicate pulp damage or infection.
The root canal therapy procedure
Preparing for treatment
Before the procedure begins, your endodontist will discuss the steps involved and answer any questions you might have. Then, when you're comfortable with the procedure, they'll administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout the process.
Step-by-step process
Accessing the tooth: To start, your endodontist will place a rubber dam around the tooth to keep it dry and free from saliva. They will then create an opening in the crown of the tooth to access the infected pulp.
Removing the pulp: Using specialized instruments, your endodontist will remove the infected or inflamed pulp from the root canals and clean the inside thoroughly.
Shaping and filling: After cleaning, your endodontist will shape the root canals and fill them with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. The canals are then sealed to prevent future infection.
Restoring the tooth: The final step is to place a temporary filling on the tooth. In a follow-up visit, a permanent crown or restoration will be placed to protect and restore the tooth's functionality.
This process may also be slightly modified if your endodontist chooses to use the GentleWave® machine, which is advanced cleaning tool we use to get the very best clean in the root canal system. Regardless of which path we take, rest assured that you'll get the very best care at WFW Endodontics.
Post-treatment care
After the procedure, it's normal to experience some tenderness or discomfort, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Your dentist will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and will schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your recovery.
Common misconceptions about root canals
Every once in a while we come across some myths about root canal therapy that we always make sure our patients understand the truth about before we start any procedure.
Myth 1: Root canals are painful
Contrary to popular belief, root canal therapy is not a painful procedure. With modern dental techniques and anesthesia, most patients report that it's no more uncomfortable than getting a routine filling. The relief from pain following the removal of the infected pulp is often immediate.
Myth 2: Extracting the tooth is better
Some people think it's better to extract the affected tooth rather than undergo a root canal. However, preserving your natural tooth is always preferable. Tooth extraction can lead to more complex dental issues, such as shifting teeth, bite problems, and the need for implants or bridges.
Myth 3: Root canals cause illness
There is a persistent myth that root canals can cause illness or disease in other parts of the body. This misconception stems from outdated studies that have been debunked by modern research. Root canal therapy is a safe and effective way to treat infected teeth and maintain overall health.
Why timely treatment is crucial
Preventing tooth loss
Seeking timely treatment can make all the difference in preventing tooth loss. An untreated infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and bones, potentially leading to the need for extraction and more extensive dental work.
Avoiding complications
The longer you wait to address an infected tooth, the more likely you are to face complications. These can include severe pain, abscess formation, and the spread of infection to other parts of your body, such as your jaw, neck, or even your bloodstream.
Maintaining oral health
Timely root canal therapy helps maintain your overall oral health. It prevents the spread of bacteria, preserves the natural structure of your teeth, and helps you avoid more invasive procedures. Ensuring your teeth stay healthy and functional is essential for your overall well-being.
If you think you need root canal therapy, WFW Endodontics can help
Root canal therapy is a crucial procedure for maintaining dental health and preserving your natural teeth. Recognizing the signs and seeking timely treatment can prevent complications and ensure a swift recovery. If you're experiencing symptoms like persistent tooth pain, sensitivity or gum swelling, don’t hesitate to contact us at WFW Endodontics. We'd love to help you diagnose and treat your tooth pain.