A tooth has many layers. The top layer is called the enamel, underneath which lies the dentin. The dentin protects the tooth’s pulp, blood vessels, and connective tissue. If decay or infection impacts the pulp, your Manhattan, NY dentist may recommend going for root canal therapy. Without immediate action, you may have to deal with severe symptoms, including pain and sensitivity. RCT is a typical procedure performed in dental practices, but people often have unfounded concerns about the treatment. Check the FAQs related to RCT below.
What is the success rate of root canal therapy?
Like most procedures in dental care, root canal therapy has come a long way and has a success rate that’s over 90%. When done by an experienced dentist or endodontist, RCT can help save a tooth from extraction. The results are meant to last a lifetime, although in rare cases, a new infection may indicate the need for root canal retreatment.
How is root canal treatment done?
Your dentist will do an oral exam and order X-rays, and if they find that root canal treatment can help save the tooth, they will discuss the pros and cons of the procedure. The first step is to use local anesthesia on the gums surrounding the affected tooth, following which they will drill a small hole called the access opening, which will expose the pulp. The dentist will use dental files to clean the tooth and antibiotic cleansing agents to avoid reinfection. They will use a sealer paste to seal the tooth. In most cases, patients need a crown after RCT, which is made in a lab. The whole root canal treatment can be divided into two to three appointments.
How painful is root canal treatment?
If you can withstand getting a filling or a tooth extraction, you will experience no more discomfort during root canal treatment. Your dentist will use local anesthesia, which is injected at the site, before which they will use a numbing cream on the gums. You may have numbness and soreness for a few hours, but that should reduce soon. The pain you experience after RCT, if any, is significantly more manageable than what you would have with an infected tooth.
Getting a crown is necessary after root canal treatment as your tooth is now hollow and susceptible to breakage. Talk to your dentist about the costs and steps in depth before deciding on the procedure.
