Root canals and tooth extraction are two procedures that dentists use to manage infected or damaged teeth. You could have experienced trauma from a vehicular accident, fallen down the stairs, or been involved in a fight. Serious trauma on a tooth can destroy a part or entire tooth so much that it cannot function. Dr. Ernest Tchoi in New York City is an expert at performing root canal procedures so dental problems will not extend to other areas.
What are the risks associated with root canals?
Root canal therapy entails removing the infected pulp and nerve from the root. The dentist will clean the inside part and then apply a sealant to close the space. It is a fairly straightforward procedure that saves a tooth from extraction, but there are some accompanying risks, as follows:
- The procedure may weaken the tooth so that it becomes prone to fractures. If this happens, visit your orthodontist for an exam and recommendations.
- Sometimes, bacteria may still be present in the tooth, which can easily launch new dental problems in the future.
III. There could be an undetected crack at the base of a tooth
- Restoration material can weaken, thus allowing bacteria to infiltrate and affect the tooth and these same problems reoccur
- The inner sealing material can break down over time, allowing bacteria to reenter this sensitive part of the tooth
- Once your tooth is subjected to root canal therapy, the chances are that it will not be as strong as other natural teeth. All living parts are taken out, and the remaining tooth is brittle.
Please note, the dental pulp inside a healthy tooth serves to nourish and moisturize the tooth. When it is absent, the tooth weakens. Your dentist will recommend using a crown to bolster the outer area of the tooth again.
Signs that you need root canal therapy
You could be struggling with an ailing tooth or several teeth, and simple interventions like painkillers are not yielding much. The following signs indicate a root canal is imminent:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Inflamed and painful gums around the infected tooth
III. Excruciating pain when chewing with a certain tooth
- Cracking or chipping of teeth
- Darkening of gums as the decay progresses
What happens after root canal therapy?
The dentist will take x-rays of the treated teeth and compare them with the old x-rays to see the difference. You may feel pain ranging from a dull ache to a sharp pain even when not eating anything. The dentist will prescribe painkillers to manage the pain and if the pain escalates, consult with your dentist to suggest a better intervention.
Some patients require more than one visit for a root canal procedure, but this usually depends on their specific problem. For instance, the cavity could have been very deep, so it needs filling. You must see your dentist as often as recommended so they can see if the procedure was successful. The treatment can last a lifetime in some cases.
