Over 10% of Canadians live with pain in their mouth. It's such a common issue that patients may think they can ignore it.
A small jab that goes away with over-the-counter meds may be nothing to worry about. If it stays and you see signs of infection, you need to get to the root of the problem as soon as possible. Read on to learn what root canal treatment is and if you can delay it.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure used to treat an abscessed tooth. The goal is to remove the infected inner layer. It's known as the dental pulp.
Symptoms of a root canal problem include:
Severe pain
Sensitivity to hot or cold
Swollen or tender gums
Pimples on the gums
Discoloration
See a dentist if these symptoms don't go away or become widespread.
How Do Root Canals Work?
An x-ray of the tooth is the first step in treatment. It helps determine the extent of the infection and the structure of the root. The root canal procedure takes about 90 minutes. The dentist numbs the tooth then makes a hole on the top of the tooth and removes the infected tissue.
The tooth then gets cleaned, filled, and covered with a temporary crown. A few weeks later, a permanent crown gets attached. Expect mild pain for the first 48 hours and a diet of soft foods for the first few days. You may have sensitivity for about a week, but over-the-counter pain meds should help minimize it. Aftercare involves regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist. Proper care gives the procedure a 90% success rate.
Can You Delay a Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is relatively painless thanks to sedation. Delaying it will make the pain of your infected tooth progressively worse. The infection will also worsen and spread to your neighbouring teeth or jaw. If it reaches your bloodstream, it could develop into a life-threatening issue known as septicemia. Root canals are the best way to save an infected tooth. Waiting too long increases the risk that you'll lose it or even the rest of your teeth.
The average root canal treatment cost in Canada ranges from $500 to $6,000. Avoiding it because of money is no way to save. The procedure becomes more complex the longer you wait. You may be left with no other choice but to rely on more costly and time-consuming options. These include:
Extractions
Dentures
Bridges
Implants
Root canals are important for your overall oral health. They prevent further decay in your gums and the area around the tooth.
Where Should You Get Root Canal Treatment?
Root canals may have the worst reputation of all dental procedures. They're known for being painful and time-consuming, and you may want to skip them. The truth is that the procedure is misunderstood. Delaying it will only make your pain and the infection in your tooth worse. The longer you wait, the more dangerous, difficult, and costly it becomes to deal with. Don't delay. Contact us at Forest Lawn Dental for root canal treatment today.