Everything You Need To Know About Root Canal Treatment

Are you suffering from tooth decay, and your dentist recommended root canal treatment? If this is the case, and you are looking for the best root canal treatments in Miami, then this article is definitely for you. However, it is important for you to know about root canals and have some basic knowledge before the treatment.

Root canal treatment is also known as endodontics. It is a dental process that helps to remove any infection from a tooth and protect against further infection. In this treatment, the dentist removes the infected tissue present inside the tooth. The treatment process includes drilling a hole and removing the soft center called the dental pulp inside the tooth. The dental pulp contains connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels and extends into the roots. The dentist cleans and seals the root canal during the treatment after removing the nerve and pulp and places a crown over the tooth to protect it.

Common Infected Root Canal Symptoms

Sometimes an infected tooth doesn't show any symptoms of requiring early root canal treatment and may cause severe damage to the root canal.

Here is a list of some common symptoms that may help you determine the need for root canal treatment:

●     Sudden or spontaneous pain.

●     Sensitivity in Gums

●     Loosening teeth.

●     Abscess around the tooth.

●     Severe pain when chewing.

●     Face, neck, or gum swelling.

●     Tooth discoloration or darkening.

Despite there being no symptoms, the pulp present in the tooth may become infected or damaged, which can be found through tests or x-rays during a dental check-up.

Root Canal Treatment Process

Root canal therapy may usually need more than one visit because of its complexity. Complex cases are referred to when there are several canals, curved canals, or painful infections.

You may get the best root canal therapy in Miami to avoid further tooth infection or damage with the most appropriate procedure for your specific case:

1.    Cleaning

At first, your dentist starts removing the decayed or infected parts inside the root canal. Then, the dentist gives local anesthesia to the infected area to make a small access hole under the tooth. Finally, the dentist removes the pulp from the infected parts of your tooth.

2.    Shaping

During the treatment, the canals must be shaped into smooth tunnels without irregularities that may trap bacteria. It ensures they do not re-infect and are filled properly. This can be done by your dentist using specific cleaning agents, small dental tools, and medication.

3.    Filling

After the shaping, the dentist fills the empty canal with a material like rubber and covers the canal completely with an adhesive sealant. Once the root canal therapy is done, the tooth is dead as the nerve tissue and infection have been removed, and you may not feel any pain in that tooth.

4.    Restoring

Usually, after the treatment, teeth lose significant structure due to deep decay or cracks, which leads them to become more fragile or brittle over time. For this reason, a dental crown, which is usually a large and well-sealed restoration or tooth replacement, is placed on the surface. It is required to make sure that no bacteria can get into the soft center of the tooth. Moreover, your dentist will suggest you not bite or chew on the affected tooth until the artificial tooth has been placed.

Why is The Crown Needed After The RCT?

A root canal usually protects a tooth from further infection but not from deterioration. Also, the procedure can weaken the tooth by removing the tissues needed to save it. After fixing the teeth back in the mouth, they are subjected to the force of chewing while eating, so they need more support after receiving root canal therapy. However, front teeth are more prone to tears instead of crushing, so you may skip the crown on them after the therapy. The need for a crown may also depend on your oral health, damage, and if you grind your teeth.

Things to Take Care of After The RCT

The following are some of the most crucial things you should take care of after root canal therapy:

●     Complete Oral Care

After root canal therapy, it is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene. You should brush your teeth regularly in a gentle way and avoid vigorous brushing. That helps to prevent stress on the treated tooth and keeps the temporary filling or crown from dislodging. Rather, you may also use a soft-bristled toothbrush and do not try to push the floss between your teeth. If it does not glide between your teeth smoothly, consult your dentist.

●     Rinse Your Mouth

You can rinse your mouth with salt and lukewarm water for several seconds, but gently, to prevent swelling and bacteria.

●     Eat Carefully

Choose soft meals, as crunchy and hard foods may damage the filling or tooth replacement. Also, it can crack and expose sensitive nerves inside your tooth. You can have soup or liquid-based foods, but make sure it's not too hot. Also, chew from the opposite side most of the time after the therapy, as it can cause pressure on the treated tooth.

Conclusion

A root canal treatment is a healing procedure by which most people cure their teeth for the rest of their lives. However, you should have proper and well-maintained oral hygiene habits. It usually depends on how you take care of your teeth and how long the benefits will last. Besides the risks and side effects, root canal therapy in Hialeah is the safest and most appropriate treatment to keep your mouth healthy and pain-free.