Endodontic dental treatments involve recovering the inside of your tooth. Unfortunately, there are times when other restorations like fillings are not effective, or the area can become infected. When the pulp of your dental structure has been compromised, it can cause discomfort, sensitivity, and other problems for your oral health. A root canal treatment can be used to help remove the damaged pulp and relieve discomfort. The team at My Dentist in Londonderry, NH, is here today to talk about what to expect when getting this type of dental work done.
Root Canals Can Help Relieve Discomfort
Cavities are a very common oral health issue that patients of all ages face. If you are experiencing tooth decay, your dentist will recommend that you come in for a filling as soon as possible. A tooth filling will remove the decay and fill the area with a strong material for function and appearance improvements. If this minimally invasive restoration is put off for too long, it can lead to sensitivity around the area, discomfort while chewing, and a potential for an infection.
A root canal treatment may be necessary at this point to help relieve your discomfort. The local area will be numbed for your comfort during the treatment. The dental pulp will need to be access and removed before the space is cleaned and a strong material is added in its place. In most cases, recovery will take about one to two weeks.
Retreatments May Be Necessary If The RCT Is Unsuccessful
Root canal treatments are typically very successful, but there are circumstances that can lead to needing another treatment to the area. If the tooth did not heal properly, the area feels uncomfortable again, or you notice any other abnormal changes, these could be signs that the area is reinfected. This can happen a few months after the first treatment due to injury to the area,
Before retreating the area, your dentist will thoroughly examine the area to look for signs of an infection or damage. The area will need to be accessed again to remove the material used to fill your tooth. We will then apply calcium hydroxide to help treat the infection. The area will be temporarily sealed until the area is healed. Finally, the space will be cleaned, and a new material is added. It’s important that you follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to ensure the tooth heals properly.
Additional Follow Up Procedures
In some cases, retreating the area may not be able to properly help recover the area. We understand that this can be frustrating, and we will do our best to find an alternative treatment. Follow up procedures like apicoectomies or other endodontic surgeries can be performed to properly remove the infected tissues that are causing discomfort.
An apicoectomy is one of the most common follow up procedures after a root canal. After applying anesthesia, the gum tissue around the area will be opened up to access the bone. The infected tissues can then be removed and thoroughly cleaned. After your procedure, you may need to take pain relievers as prescribed and apply a cold compress to reduce discomfort as you heal.
Avoid Bacterial Infections With Emergency Care
In many cases, your root canal procedure can be planned ahead of time. Your dentist may recommend this if a cavity has become infected, and you are experiencing discomfort. However, there are some occasions where this type of endodontic treatment is a necessary emergency procedure.
Any type of injury that has broken the outer layer of your tooth should be examined by a professional as soon as possible. Major chips or cracks have the potential to become infected because bacteria can enter the area. Our experienced team is here to help you restore the area after an injury to prevent further harm to your smile.
Replace Lost Teeth With Dental Implants
The goal of a root canal and other endodontic treatments is to repair your tooth after it has been damaged. If you have a serious cavity or the areas has been infected, this procedure can help remove the damaged tissues and bring you relief from discomfort. However, there may be times when it is best to remove the tooth to save your smile.
After the area has healed from your extraction, your dentist can talk about prosthetic options to replace your missing dental structure. Dental implants are one helpful way to replace missing teeth, as they can replace both the root and crown of your tooth. A titanium post is inserted into your jawbone, where it will fuse together naturally in a process called osseointegration. The abutment piece and crown can then be added to complete your smile. Dental implants can help improve your smile’s appearance, function, and longevity.
Schedule An Appointment With Our Team!
When you have a tooth that has been significantly injured, endodontic treatments can help restore your smile. You can schedule an appointment with the team at My Dentist in Londonderry, NH, today by calling 603-965-3407.
