Is Root Canal Therapy the Same as A Root Canal?
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure in endodontics near you that involves removing infected or damaged pulp inside the tooth.
During a root canal, an endodontist or dentist near you will remove the damaged or infected pulp from the tooth’s root system, clean and shape the canals and then fill and seal the space to prevent further infection or damage. Root canal therapy is often necessary to save a tooth that might otherwise need extraction.
Is Root Canal Therapy the Same as A Root Canal?
Yes, root canal therapy and root canal are the same things. The term “root canal” is a simple phrase to refer to the endodontic treatment of treating infected or damaged tooth pulp.
Why Do You Need Root Canal Therapy?
Technically, Dr. Erwin M. Ricafort does not always recommend root canal therapy to all patients. The procedure is only relevant for patients whose natural teeth are salvageable after infection or damage. Root canal therapy is necessary when the tooth’s pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains soft tissues like nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Some reasons why the pulp may become inflamed or infected include:
- Deep decay: When tooth decay progresses to the pulp, bacteria can enter and cause infection.
- Trauma: A blow to your face or other injuries can fracture your jaw and teeth, leading to inflammation or infection.
- Cracks or chips: If a tooth is cracked or chipped, bacteria can enter the pulp and cause infection.
- Multiple dental procedures: Repeated treatments on a tooth can cause inflame the pulp and eventually cause infection.
At Ricafort Dental Group, we also advise patients to consider the signs and symptoms that may point to the need for root canal therapy. Symptoms that may necessitate root canal therapy include severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, swelling of the gums or face, and a persistent or recurring pimple on the gums. See a dentist soon for any of these symptoms to determine if root canal therapy is needed.
Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?
Many people associate root canal therapy with pain, which has been the case for procedures in the past. However, modern techniques and anesthesia allow dentists in Murfreesboro, TN, to perform root canal therapy with little or no discomfort for the patient.
During the procedure, your endodontist or dentist in Murfreesboro will numb the area around the affected tooth with a local anesthetic. This way, you will not feel any pain during the treatment. If you are anxious about the procedure, your dentist may offer sedation options to help you relax.
Still, you may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days after the procedure. It is due to the recent dental work within the tooth canal. However, it usually is manageable with over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. In some unique cases, the dentist may prescribe stronger pain medication.
With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy can last a lifetime without further issues.
How Long Does It Take A Root Canal To Fully Heal?
In general, it takes about one to two weeks for the tooth to heal after a root canal procedure. However, the healing time for a root canal can vary depending on several factors. Some of them include the extent of the damage, the number of root canals involved, and your overall oral health at the time of treatment.
During this recovery and healing period, you may experience some side effects like heightened sensitivity and sore gums. These should get better after a few days, usually as you manage them with over-the-counter pain medications or as recommended by your dentist. The good news is that your dentist will provide some post-treatment care instructions to promote healing while preventing complications. Your dentist may even recommend a follow-up appointment to monitor the tooth, ensuring it is healing properly.