Consultation with a dentist near you is necessary for correct diagnosis and treatment when it comes to root canal therapy or retreatment. Understanding whether to see a dentist for root canal therapy or retreatment is of the utmost importance if you’re suffering from tooth pain, sensitivity, or other alarming symptoms. Here, we attempt to clarify when to consult a dentist for guidance in such circumstances:
When Do You Need a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure performed to treat an infected or damaged tooth. It becomes necessary when the pulp, which is the innermost part of the tooth and contains nerves and blood vessels, becomes infected or inflamed.
Here are some indications that you may need a root canal:
- Persistent Toothache: An infection or inflammation of the pulp may be present if you have a persistent or severe toothache, particularly if you bite down or put pressure to the hurt tooth.
- Sensitivity to Temperature: A root canal may be necessary if there is pulp damage and increased sensitivity to both hot and cold temperatures, even after the stimulus has been removed.
- Gum Swelling or Tenderness: Swelling, tenderness, or a small bump on the gums near the affected tooth may be a sign of an infection spreading from the tooth’s root.
- Darkened Tooth: A tooth that has darkened or changed color compared to the surrounding teeth may indicate pulp damage or decay.
- Prolonged Sensitivity to Touch: If your tooth is sensitive to touch or pressure, even without any external stimuli, it may be a sign of pulp infection.
- Deep Decay or Trauma: Teeth with deep cavities, cracks, or fractures that expose the pulp are at risk of infection and may require a root canal to remove the damaged pulp and save the tooth.
- Abscess Formation: A pimple-like swelling or a small, painful bump on the gum may indicate the presence of an abscess, which is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. Root canal therapy is typically necessary to eliminate the infection and save the tooth.
It’s important to note that these signs and symptoms may vary from person to person. If you experience any of these indications, it is recommended that you consult with a dentist in South Edmonton who can evaluate your dental health and determine if a root canal is necessary to save the affected tooth and alleviate your discomfort.
How Long Does It Take?
The intricacy of the case, the location of the tooth, and the patient’s particular circumstances can all affect how long a root canal near you takes. The process of getting a root canal may normally be finished in one to three sessions, each lasting between 60 and 90 minutes. It’s crucial to remember that these timelines are only estimates and may change.
Certain situations could be straightforward and take less time to finish, while others with problems or many root canals might take longer. Based on your particular situation, your dentist will give you an accurate schedule.
To ensure the infection is completely treated and to maintain the health and functionality of the damaged tooth, it is essential to prioritize finishing the entire root canal treatment as advised by your dentist.
What is Root Canal Retreatment?
When a formerly treated tooth that had root canal surgery develops new problems or doesn’t heal adequately, a root canal retreatment procedure is carried out. To solve the issue and save the tooth in certain situations, the dentist or endodontist may advise root canal retreatment. An outline of root canal retreatment is provided below:
Reasons for Root Canal Retreatment
- Incomplete Healing: Sometimes, despite a previous root canal treatment, the tooth does not heal as expected or continues to cause discomfort or infection.
- Reinfection: Bacteria can re-enter the tooth if the initial restoration or filling becomes compromised, leading to a new infection.
- New Issues: New decay, fractures, or other problems may develop in the treated tooth, necessitating retreatment.
Steps of the Procedure
1. Evaluation: The dentist will assess the tooth, review your symptoms, and may take x-rays to identify any issues that require retreatment.
2. Access and Removal: Similar to the initial root canal procedure, the dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area. They will then create an access point to reach the root canals and remove the filling material from the previous treatment.
3. Cleaning and Disinfection: The dentist will carefully clean the root canals, removing any infected tissue or bacteria. They may also use disinfectants to eliminate any remaining bacteria.
4. Filling and Sealing: A biocompatible substance called gutta-percha will be used to fill and seal the canals once they have been carefully cleansed and formed. This reduces the risk of reinfection.
5. Restoration: A temporary or permanent repair, such as a dental filling or crown, will be positioned to preserve the tooth and restore its functioning after the root canal retreatment is finished.
Root Canals at Jagare Ridge Dental
Looking for a dental office to get root canal therapy in South Edmonton? Get in touch with Jagare Ridge Dental today to experience our unparalleled dental care.