What is Root Canal Treatment?

One of the most common dental treatments available today, is the root canal. Each year, through endodontic root canal treatment, millions of teeth are saved and restored to fully functionality. The whole procedure of root canal treatment often comes as a surprise to most people because they don’t quite understand what the whole procedure entails. A lot of people don’t understand what endodontic root can treatment is all about. How does root canal treatment help save a tooth? Who needs root canal treatment? How much will the procedure cost? Is it a painful procedure? Well, we talked to Dr. Jisoo Shin, DDS on root canal treatment, and she helped us understand what it is about and answered some of the questions mentioned above. Here is a guide to help you understand what root canal treatment is all about;

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment us the endodontic treatment of the tooth where the dentist treats the inside parts of the tooth to help relieve pain and discomfort saving the patient from a lot of agony. Root canal treatment involves the removal of blood vessels and nerves contained in the pulp to help relieve pain when the tooth is affected by some sort of disease or complication. The pulp contains connective tissues, blood vessels and nerves which are required to provide nourishment to the tooth as it grows but when the truth is fully grown, the pulp can be removed and the tooth will go about with its function as normal. This is possible because the tooth will now be receiving nourishment from the tissues surrounding it. So when one does need root canal treatment?

When does one need root canal treatment?

Although the tooth can survive without the pulp containing the blood vessels and nerves, the pulp is only removed when necessary. Root canal treatment is therefore necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or is infected by certain bacteria. The inflammation can arise from tooth decay, cracking teeth or dental injuries. When inflammation occurs, the pulp is heavily affected and the highly sensitive nerves contained in the pulp pick up the signals and send them to the brain where the receptors process them as pain. This means that the patient will be feeling a lot of pain and discomfort when this happens. If left untreated the inflammation can further affect the tooth and eat into the enamel causing complete damage of the tooth. Root canal can help save a tooth because only the affected pulp is removed. This prevents the infection from spreading further to other parts of the tooth and relieving pain from the patient.

What are the signs that one needs to go for root canal treatment?

Sign and Symptoms of root canal treatment– If you start experiencing  prolonged tooth sensitivity, a lot of pain, tenderness to touch, discoloration of the tooth, swelling of the gum, drainage in the lymph nodes and extreme sensitivity to cold and hot drinks, then it might be wise to visit your dentist and get root canal treatment. Removing the pulp will mean that there will be no sensitivity or pain issues and you will be able to go about your daily activities with ease.

Is root canal a painful procedure?

Some people think that because root canal treatment involves the removal of the pulp, it results in incredible amounts of pain but this is far from the truth. If anything, this is a procedure aimed at relieving pain. During the procedure, you will be feeling absolutely nothing, thanks to modern technology and anaesthetics. This means that you will absolutely be feeling nothing at all while the dentist removes the pulp and it will be extremely comfortable. Afterwards, there might be a little sensitivity and discomfort especially if you were experiencing pain before the procedure but this will eventually recede and cases of tooth sensitivity will be a bygone in your life.

How much does root canal treatment cost?

The cost of root canal treatment, depends on how severe the inflammation was and the complexity of the procedure to remove the affected pulp. The number of affected teeth also affects the total cost of the procedure. Molars and premolars are normally more difficult to treat and therefore tend to cost more. The overall cost is however not as high and compared to extracting the tooth and losing it completely, root canal is worth the money.

If you are in Katy, Houston and are looking for the best hospital to offer root canal and other endodontic treatment, then look no further than Vita Dental Care. We offer the best treatment at affordable rates. If you have been experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms, then give us a call or visit our facility and talk to our professional dentists to get the root canal treatment to lead a comfortable and stress-free life.