Do root canals always hurt? A root canal is an endodontic solution to any sort of damage caused to the inner tooth. This damage can be a result of an infection or trauma. The inside of the tooth is the dental pulp that holds the visible tooth or crown. Damage to the dental pulp can cause severe pain and discomfort. Furthermore, the pulp is extremely fragile and consists of sensitive nerve tissue. Inflammation to the nerve tissue can cause disastrous results like tooth decay. In tooth decay, a person can completely lose their permanent teeth because inflammation can potentially spread to the rest of the teeth.
This is why Endodontists call themselves the saviors of teeth. Endodontists are professionals who study two extra years after finishing dental school. They dedicate the extra two years in specializing in all treatments that have to do with the dental pulp. The pulp is the entry to the dental root canals and so an endodontic solution is a root canal treatment.
Root Canals – The Procedure
A root canal is a complex treatment that requires the expertise of professionals. Dentists are more likely to schedule you to meet an endodontist for severe tooth pain. An endodontist specializes in root canal therapy and is well equipped with advanced technology that makes the procedure efficient and successful. In case of any microbial invasion in your dental pulp, the Endodontist uses the help of tools to remove the infected tissue and clean the root canals for further microbial sediments.
They perform this with the help of mechanical instrumentation and an irrigation process. The mechanical instrumentation involves the use of metal files and microscopes. Moreover, the irrigation system is the combination of different bio chemicals. In case of an inflamed root canal, the Endodontist isolates the tooth by putting a plastic sheet around the rest of the teeth. This not only prevents contamination but also creates a visible contrast for the practitioner. After that, the doctor drills through the crown in order to get access to the roots for analysis. High-tech microscopes magnify the microbial infections for the doctors so they can make a better evaluation of the contaminated areas.
The endodontist then cleans and shapes the root canals using endodontic metal files. These metal files are now made of nickel titanium, a flexible and shape-memory alloy. After the cleaning and shaping of the root canals, the irrigation process takes place. This process impacts the regions of the canals that the mechanical instrumentation cannot not reach. This involves the addition of irrigants or chemicals that have antimicrobial properties. Many different methods of insertion exist, from traditional syringes to automatic pumps.
After biochemically cleaning the root canals, the doctor fills the root canals with natural latex and seals it to prevent further contamination. The Endodontists will then put an artificial crown in order to cover the dental pulp. This is how an edodontist restores a tooth from dying out.
Does a Root Canal Treatment Hurt?
A dental Root Canal treatment, with today’s technological advancements causes little or no pain. The endodontists are also experts in anesthetic medicines. They will most likely provide you with the adequate anesthetic doses for each person in order to minimize the pain. During the procedure, the Endodontist will completely numb your teeth and gums before starting. This makes you unwary of any pain. For post-procedural pain, your doctor is likely to prescribe you with over the counter drug. In case of swelling or pain before the procedure, it is likely that your doctor will prescribe you pain killers and antibiotics for pain relief.
Symptoms
Experiencing certain types of symptoms can tell if your dentist is more likely to appoint you to an Edodontist for a root canal treatment. The following symptoms call for an urgent check-up. Be careful if you or anyone you know experiences these.
Pain
Persistent pain is a symptom that often leads to an endodontic treatment. The nature of the pain can be constant and intense or slightly fluctuating. A damaged root canal or nerve tissue can definitely cause pain. There could also be other reasons for the pain like gum disease, cavity, damaged filling.
Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold substances can indicate damage in the blood vessels and nerve tissues within the pulp. If your teeth hurt when you drink hot coffee or icy cold drinks, getting it checked from a dentist should be your first priority.
Loosening of a Tooth
If a permanent tooth in your mouth starts feeling loose, without the cause of any injury, it could mean that the nerve endings are dying out. Although there are other reasons to this cause, the treatment for it will most likely be a root canal.
Conclusion
Today, root canals are more painless than they have ever been. With technological breakthroughs, this treatment has crossed the bounds of success and reliability. Visit Dr Young Bui’s dental offices in New York, NY, for treatments and consultation that incorporate innovative and cutting-edge technology.