Guide to Root Canal Treatments

Did you know that 32% of Australians aged 15 and over have untreated decay in their mouths? Unfortunately, you can expect continued rot and eventual extractions if left in this state. But luckily, with treatment, many of those teeth can be saved. For some of those situations, root canal therapy is the only way to preserve teeth. So, if your dentist has recommended this treatment for you, but you aren’t sure what it is, this article is for you. Continue reading to learn more about root canal treatment.

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

Inside each of your teeth is a pulp chamber containing blood vessels, nerve endings, and tissue. They all serve to nourish the teeth and provide sensory input. But when your pulp is damaged by injury or infected from decay, it can no longer provide its necessary functions. If this happens, you may experience pain, swelling, or sensitivity to hot or cold. However, if you ignore your pain and sensitivity and avoid visiting your dentist, the pulp and tooth will eventually die. In this case, you will probably feel nothing in that area since the tooth is dead and can’t respond to stimuli.

The Steps

The first of the root canal treatment steps is to carefully open the tooth to access the canal. Once inside, your dentist will begin to clean out the infected tissue and disinfect the tooth. After this is complete, your tooth’s canals will be filled with a rubbery latex solution and sealed with cement. Finally, the last step of the process is to place a permanent crown on the tooth to save it from future breakage. You should know that there is a point where nothing can be done to save your tooth, and the only option is an extraction. This is why you should never delay root canal treatment.

Root Canal Treatment Side Effects

Most report that having root canal treatment feels no different than other types of dental work and that it likewise had a positive effect on their overall quality of life. Still, after treatment, you may feel some slight soreness in the area. You may also notice that your treated tooth feels slightly “different” from your other teeth, and this may take some getting used to. But, if you experience pain or swelling that is worsening, your bite feels off, or you have symptoms of an allergic reaction, like hives or itching, you must return to your dentist immediately.

How Much Does It Cost?

Root canal treatment cost varies depending on the location of the tooth and the complexity of the case. For example, some of your teeth have one canal, others have two or three, and in some rare cases, there are people who have teeth with four canals. On the lower end of that scale would be a front tooth with one canal, resulting in a fee that’s about $800. For a difficult tooth, such as a multi-canal back tooth, that number can triple. However, these fees do not include the price of a crown, which can cost around $1600.

Don’t Delay Your Root Canal Treatment

When you put off your necessary treatment, you run the risk of further infection, intense pain, and the potential loss of your tooth. So, if you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or numbness, you should see your dentist immediately to avoid the above with root canal treatment. At Najmi Dental in Fairfield, QLD, our goal is to provide every patient with exceptional service. Contact us to schedule your first appointment today.