Is Root Canal Treatment Performed On A Non Painful Tooth?
Root Canal Treatment
Most of the teeth that require root canal treatment do not cause any pain in the initial stage of decay.
However, this does not mean that the teeth are healthy.
The dentist should check whether the pulp of the tooth is damaged or infected and apply endodontic treatment immediately.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment (endodontics) is a dental procedure used to treat infection in the center of the tooth. This procedure involves removing the pulp and cleaning the entire root canal. Once the infected pulp is removed and cleaned, it is shaped and filled with filling material.
If this damage or infection in the pulp is not treated properly, bacteria can build up at the tip of the tooth root and form an abscess known as “pus”. The swelling caused by this abscess, which secretes a type of secretion, creates pressure and causes a lot of pain.
It is sad to recall that in the past, teeth with infected or affected pulp had to be completely extracted.
Today, thanks to root canal treatment, many teeth that could have been lost can be saved and rebuilt.
When a patient comes to the office for root canal treatment, the goal of the treatment is to open the tooth, relieve pain, remove invading bacteria and patch the inner area.
Root canal treatment is usually caused by pain in the tooth canal that does not go away and causes great discomfort. The main reasons for this are
- Impact to the tooth
- Pulp death
- Visible trauma
- Tooth or jaw pain
- Nerve damage or exposure
- Swelling, blisters and pus
- Difficulty chewing.
How is Root Canal Treatment Performed?
Endodontic treatment begins with the removal of the pulp (the tissue inside the tooth), sterilization and filling with restorative material. The first step in this process is to open the tooth and remove the infected part. The pulp area is then enlarged and shaped to accommodate the restorative material.
In some cases, where multiple visits to the dentist are necessary, a temporary restoration is used to protect the tooth. Finally, the treatment ends with the permanent filling of the pulp cavity and dental canals. A crown may still be required to give the restored tooth a natural appearance.
In summary, we can list the stages of root canal treatment as follows:
- The dentist uses local anesthesia to prevent pain during treatment.
- During the treatment, he or she places a dam around the tooth to prevent bacteria in your saliva from coming into contact with your tooth.
- He or she makes a small hole in the treated tooth to access the canal and the damaged pulp.
- Using precision instruments, he removes the pulp, cleans and widens the canal.
- Fills and closes the canal.
- Closes the tooth with a temporary or permanent filling.
In Which Cases Is Root Canal Treatment Necessary?
Root endodontic treatment is performed in specific cases, such as complications related to caries, tooth fractures and indications for prosthetics.
- Caries: The main symptom in diagnosing root canal treatment is infections caused by a deep decay on the inside of the tooth. The discomfort is caused by the proliferation of bacteria that spoil the teeth, causing swelling, a throbbing sensation and pain that can spread to the face.
- Tooth fracture Tooth fractures can occur for various reasons, such as problems in the arch, complications of bruxism or external impact. When this happens, the patient begins to feel discomfort in the tooth, which can lead to infection and cause a tooth abscess.
- Indication for prosthesis The indication for prosthetic placement occurs when the tooth is damaged and does not have the structure to receive the restoration. The endodontic treatment thus creates space on the inside of the tooth for the placement of the metal post that will later support the denture.
With the development of dental treatments, procedures have become less uncomfortable and more ambitious. Root canal treatment is still the best solution to save the tooth by preventing its extraction. Maintaining oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are the best ways to protect your dental health.
Who Cannot Have Root Canal Treatment?
Although it is an effective method to regain the tooth, there are cases where endodontic treatment cannot be applied. After the first examination by the specialist, it is decided whether this treatment will be applied or not, depending on the current health problems of the person and the condition of the tooth. The health conditions for which this treatment is not suitable are as follows:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Unmanaged flow of inflammation
- Vertical fractures of teeth
- Teeth that cannot be repaired
- Failure to clean the root canal
- Excessive tissue and bone loss in the bones around the tooth and root
- First and last trimester of pregnancy
People in these situations usually cannot have root canal treatment. In addition to these, the application of this dental treatment in rheumatism, diabetes, heart, leukemia and other types of cancer should be done in very urgent cases by taking the necessary precautions. In this way, the tooth can be saved by applying it safely.
Root Canal Treatment for Every Tooth Is İt feasible?
Most teeth can be treated with endodontic treatment unless the root canals are inaccessible, the root is fractured, the tooth does not have enough bone support or the tooth cannot be restored. In cases where endodontic treatment is not effective, our dentist may recommend other ways to save the tooth. If the tooth needs to be extracted, our dentist will recommend treatment options such as implants or bridges to fill the gap caused by the tooth extraction.
Tooth Without Pain Can Root Canal Treatment be Performed?
The absence of pain does not mean that endodontic treatment is not necessary. It is worth noting that only your dentist can recommend or exclude endodontic treatment.
Therefore, you should always consult your dentist if you experience any of the symptoms for which root canal treatment is necessary.
What Should Be Considered Before and After Root Canal Treatment?
Before starting endodontic treatment, it is important that your dentist performs a preliminary assessment. If they suspect that the tooth is infected and decaying due to bacteria, they will perform root canal treatment and decide that root canal treatment is the best option to save your tooth. Dentists use anesthesia when performing root endodontic treatment. Therefore, it is recommended that you do not drink alcohol or smoke for at least 24 hours before the procedure.
As with most dental procedures, some care must be taken after treatment. Here are some things to be aware of after root canal treatment:
- It is recommended that you do not eat or drink anything for a few hours after root canal treatment. Because the treated area is numb, there is a chance that you may accidentally bite your teeth or tongue while eating. You can eat after the numbness has passed.
- Take antibiotics as prescribed by your dentist.
- Good oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing is extremely important.
- Avoid hard and crunchy foods for a few days after root canal treatment.
- If the opening in your teeth has been filled with a temporary filling, it is likely that some of the filling will wear away. If the entire filling wears away, you should contact your dentist immediately.
One of the most curious things about endodontic treatment is whether it is painful or not. People who will have root canal treatment do not need to worry about pain. The procedure is usually painless due to the anesthesia applied to the area. However, when the effect of the anesthesia wears off after the surgery, the patient may feel more sensitivity than usual in the tooth in question. This is because it is a technique that directly affects the nerves, the most sensitive part of the teeth, and affects the sudden inflammation in the area, which can be more intense for some people.
How Many Sessions Is Root Canal Treatment Performed?
On average, a session lasts 60 minutes. However, the procedure may take more or less time depending on the condition of the caries. The exact treatment time depends on the individual patient. The number of root canal treatment sessions also depends on the condition of the tooth. If the tooth is not infected, one treatment session is sufficient. With larger infections, two or more sessions may be necessary to ensure good cleaning and decontamination of the pulp chamber.
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