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There are many myths about tooth Root Infections and Root Canal Treatment. Some believe that Root Canal Therapy is complex and painful. Others think it means a long recovery time. The reality is much different. Root Canal Treatment in Warriewood is straightforward. It relieves pain rather than causing it. And recovery is typically prompt.
Let’s explore what Root Canal Therapy is and how you can avoid these types of infections. Then let’s dispel the various myths that surround this tooth-saving dental treatment.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root Canal Treatment is a therapy that removes the infection from the ‘Root Canal’ of your tooth. This area houses the nerves and pulp, which is why the condition can be excruciating and cause so much swelling. In fact, a Root Canal Infection is considered a dental emergency in Warriewood.
To treat the Root Canal, your dentist administers anesthesia to the treatment area, waits until the site is thoroughly numb, and then extracts the infected materials from the canal. We then rinse the canal and close it with a temporary filling material. The latter steps promote rapid healing.
Most patients report immediate relief following Root Canal Therapy. However, you may have mild soreness later in the evening after the anesthesia wears off, but far less discomfort than you have with a festering Root Canal Infection. Typically, over-the-counter pain medicine is sufficient.
In about a week or two, you come in for a tooth-coloured filling or dental crown to complete your treatment. We provide a filling only if the infection was minor and did not compromise your tooth’s structure. A dental crown is a more likely choice because the past infection may make the treated tooth vulnerable to future breakage.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over your tooth. It is cut and colored to match the surrounding teeth.
4 Signs that Could Mean You Need a Root Canal
If you’re lucky, your dentist finds the emerging infection during a routine checkup before symptoms show up. In this case, we can treat it right away.
Unfortunately, most Root Infections are very painful and come on without warning. You’ll notice some or all of the following:
- Discolored tooth
- Blister on the gum
- Gum swelling
- Toothache
A root infection with symptoms is considered a dental emergency.
How to Prevent Root Canal Infections
Regular checkups and teeth cleans are two of the best things you can do for your oral health. These habits may significantly lower your risks for preventable conditions like Root Canal Infections, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Regular brushing and flossing are crucial. You should brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once.
It’s also essential to report oral health changes to your Warriewood dentist. For example, tooth sensitivity that doesn’t improve may be an early warning sign of Root Infection or other potential issues.
Root Canal Treatment: Myths vs. Facts
Myth: Root canal treatment is painful.
Fact: Root canal treatment relieves pain.
Myth: Root canal treatment is complex.
Fact: Root canal treatment is straightforward.
Myth: Root canal treatment means a long recovery.
Fact: Root canal treatment needs little or no recovery time.
Myth: Root canal treatment requires ongoing therapy.
Fact: Root canal treatment typically requires two clinic visits.
Myth: Root canal treatment can cause secondary illness.
Fact: Root canal treatment does not increase secondary illness risks.
Myth: Root canal therapy is not necessary if there is no pain.
Fact: Nerve damage may silence pain but not the spread of infection.
Myth: It is safer to have a tooth extraction than Root Canal Therapy.
Fact: Tooth extraction for infection is always a last resort!
Myth: Dental crowns cause Root Infections.
Fact: Infection in the Root Canal Causes root infection
Your Dentist Near Northern Beaches Welcomes Your Call
Without intervention from your dentist, an infection can spread and cost you your tooth. We encourage you to reach out to our clinic as soon as possible if you have signs of Root Infection.
And if you want to learn more about our treatments or are ready to arrange your next dental checkup and teeth clean, we encourage you to contact a member of our friendly dental team today. And remember to ask about our current specials and packages