4 Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Treatment
For some people, the only solution to toothache is extraction. However, some time and think about the effects of teeth loss. It affects your facial appearance and the ability to speak and eat. So, instead of having an infected tooth extracted, ask your dentist about root canal treatment. By having the infected pulp removed, you get long-term relief from toothache without losing your natural teeth.
Here are the four main questions that people ask about root canal treatment:
1. When Is Root Canal Recommended?
This procedure is recommended when the pulp is infected. The dentist needs to remove the infected pulp, clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth. The pulp is made of numerous blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves. So, even a minor infection can be severely painful. The common signs of an infected pulp include:
- Severe toothache
- Highly sensitive tooth
- Swelling gums
- Fever
The primary objective of a root canal procedure is to save the natural teeth. Once the inflamed pulp is removed, the tooth is thoroughly disinfected and sealed, preventing the spread of the infection to the nearby teeth.
2. What Is the Cost of Root Canal?
Root canal treatment is mainly an outpatient procedure that takes only a few appointments. Once you visit a dental clinic, the dentist will examine the painful tooth to determine the level of infection. On some occasions, they may take an x-ray to confirm the diagnosis. If the tooth can be salvaged, a root canal procedure may be recommended. Typically, the cost ranges from $800 to $1,500 for a molar and $500 to $1,000 for an incisor.
3. Is Root Canal Painful?
To most people, a root canal treatment sounds scary. However, the procedure is painless. The first step during this procedure is numbing your tooth and gums using local anesthesia. You only feel a burning sensation or a sharp pinch when the anesthetic is injected into the gums. You will also experience mild discomfort for a few days after the procedure.
4. What Are the Advantages of Root Canal Treatment?
The principal goal of a root canal procedure is to save the natural root. Unlike artificial teeth, a natural tooth structure allows for better chewing, speech, and swallowing. Other benefits of preserving natural teeth through a root canal procedure include:
- Preserving the teeth's natural appearance.
- Maintaining normal biting sensation and force.
- Preventing the spread of infection to other teeth.
- Maintaining normal facial appearance.
If you have a painful tooth, don't be in a rush to have it extracted. Visit a dentist and ask if it can be saved through a root canal treatment.
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