Root canal treatment is a dental procedure designed to remove the damaged or infected nerve tissue (pulp) inside a tooth. This damage can result from decay, injury, or other factors that compromise the health of the tooth’s nerve.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
- Pain Relief: Eliminates the pain caused by infected or inflamed pulp.
- Preservation of Natural Tooth: Saves the natural tooth, preventing the need for extraction.
- Prevention of Infection Spread: Stops the spread of infection to surrounding teeth and gums.
- Restoration of Function: Restores the tooth’s ability to chew and function normally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Root Canal Procedures Painful?
With modern technology and anesthesia, root canal procedures are generally painless. Most patients report feeling little to no pain during the procedure.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
The duration of a root canal procedure can vary but usually takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Some cases may require multiple visits. The number of visits can be determined by many factors such as:
- The patient’s pain level: if the patient is in a lot of pain, we tend to disperse our visits to allow us to work with minimal patient discomfort
- The amount of infection present:the presence of moderate or severe infections (abscess) requires more steps in the cleaning phase of the root canal. We tend to opt for several visits to ensure that the canals are properly cleaned and disinfected prior to filling them
- The presence of an abscess:in severely infected teeth, an abscess might form around the roots. This requires treatment prior to filling the canals.
- Root canal re-treatment: in cases where a root canal has failed, a root canal re-treatment is done. This usually involves removing the existing tooth and root canal fillings and re-cleaning and reshaping the canals for filling. This procedure tends to take more time and visits.
Can a Root Canal Save My Tooth?
Yes, a root canal can save your natural tooth by removing the infected pulp and restoring the tooth’s function, preventing the need for extraction.
At UON Dental plaza, we utilize the latest technology in dentistry to ensure the highest quality of care. Our team of experienced dental professionals is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure. We follow up with our patients to monitor their recovery and ensure long-term success.