If you develop a dental issue, such as decay or infection, there are usually two ways to address it. This can include a root canal, which removes the infected tooth, or an extraction, where the tooth is pulled. However, there are numerous reasons why the latter is preferable.

Root canal therapy is the most appropriate solution for maintaining the integrity of your tooth. It is generally recommended when your tooth is damaged. The process involves removing the infected tissue in your tooth. There are various reasons why doing root canal therapy on your tooth is an appropriate choice. We’re going to discuss more on this in this blog.

What Is a Root Canal?

Root canal treatment is a method used to preserve a damaged or diseased tooth. Whenever pulp inside a tooth, consisting of nerves and blood vessels, becomes diseased, it causes severe pain and swelling. The causes of diseased pulp may include a cavity, a cracked tooth, or tooth injury. The dentist performs a root canal treatment on a damaged tooth to clean it out, fill it, and crown it to maintain its functionality.

During root canal therapy in Brookline, MA, the dentist will administer anesthesia to numb the surrounding area and create a small hole to access the pulp chamber inside the tooth. They would then remove any infected tissue with specialized tools to clear the interior of the tooth. After this procedure, the dentist would pack the space with a rubber-like substance to seal it and prevent infection in the future. The tooth would then be capped with a crown to protect it from future damage.

Root Canal Treatment Steps

Root canal procedures can be easily completed in only two visits. The process helps to restore an infected or damaged tooth by eliminating the infected pulp tissue and sealing the tooth. This involves the following main steps:

First Visit – Cleaning and Preparation:

The dentist will anesthetize the area and remove the infected pulp. The tooth is then prepared for a filling, and a temporary filling is applied to protect it during the healing process.

Second Visit – Sealing and Restoration:

A permanent filling is used to seal the tooth to resist further infection. A permanent crown is used to restore the tooth’s shape and strength.

Root Canal Recovery Process & Aftercare

As a matter of fact, the recovery process post-root canal treatment will be very brief, and you will feel back to normal very quickly. However, you may need to follow your dentist’s advice to help the process go well for you. This could involve avoiding hard foods and taking good care of your oral health to prevent infection.

The time it takes for the body to recover from this dental procedure varies from person to person, but most patients can return to their normal activities in a couple of days. Pain or discomfort will be temporary and will subside if you take the pain medication as advised by your dentist.

Why Root Canal is the Best Long-Term Investment?

Root canal treatment is an effective way to maintain oral health by preserving your natural teeth. By keeping your natural teeth, you avoid future oral problems and save yourself from expensive oral procedures. Here are some reasons why undergoing root canal treatment is an effective oral option:

Preserves Your Natural Tooth: This helps maintain the tooth for proper chewing and speaking.
Prevents Tooth Shifting and Misalignment: Helps eliminate gaps that can lead to the shifting of other teeth, causing bite issues.
Prevents Costly Alternatives: There is no need to undergo costly implants or bridges that require more time and effort.
Avoids Bone Loss: The presence of a root prevents bone loss in the jaw section where extraction has occurred.

Making the Right Decision for Your Smile

Choosing root canal treatment over tooth extraction is an option that benefits your long-term dental health. Not only is it essential for keeping your tooth despite the infection, but it is also vital for the structure that the tooth helps maintain in your smile. Doing root canal surgery in Brookline, MA, is an easy way to keep your teeth working for many years.

At Beacon Dental Center, we also recognize how essential it is to keep your natural teeth whenever possible. If you are struggling with a dental problem and are trying to decide whether a root canal or extraction is the right option, we can walk you through the process. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation about how a root canal can help keep your smile intact.

FAQs

How long does a root canal take?
A typical root canal treatment takes one to two visits, each lasting about one to two hours. The process depends on the infection’s complexity.
Will a root canal hurt?
Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure as it is done under local anesthesia. Any soreness after the procedure can be managed with pain relievers.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Signs that you may need a root canal include persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, and swelling or tenderness in the gums. A dentist can evaluate your condition to determine whether treatment is needed.
How do I care for my tooth after a root canal?
After a root canal, follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions, including avoiding hard foods and maintaining good oral hygiene to promote proper healing.
How long will a tooth with a root canal last?
With proper care, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy can last many years, and in many cases, a lifetime.