Root Canal Treatment Explained

The world of dentistry can often seem complicated and overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with a procedure like a root canal. Despite its daunting reputation, a root canal can be a straightforward, pain-free procedure that saves your tooth from further damage.

Although a common procedure, many people are still apprehensive about undergoing a root canal due to misconceptions and a lack of understanding about the treatment.

This informational blog post aims to demystify the root canal treatment process— explaining why and when you might need one, what the procedure involves, and how you can recover effectively.

What is a root canal procedure?

A root canal procedure—also known as endodontic therapy—treats the inner part of the tooth (known as the pulp) when it becomes infected, damaged, or inflamed.

The pulp constitutes nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When it becomes infected, it may cause severe pain, swelling, and even abscess formation.

In practice, a root canal involves removing the tooth’s nerve and pulp. Subsequently, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed to prevent further infection.

When do you need a root canal?

Root canal treatment becomes required when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected or inflamed. This may occur because of several reasons, for example:

• Deep tooth decay.
• Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth.
• Cracks or chips in the tooth.
• Trauma that damages the pulp even when there are no visible cracks.

In such instances, your healthcare practitioner/dentist is best equipped to handle the clinical treatment.

Root canal procedures can be performed on most teeth, but they are most commonly required for molars and premolars. These teeth have more roots and canals, making them more susceptible to infections.

Generally, suppose you experience a severe toothache, prolonged sensitivity, tooth discolouration, swelling, and tenderness in nearby gums or have a persistent or recurring pimple on the gums. In that case, you might need a root canal treatment.

Benefits of root canal treatment

Root canal treatment offers several benefits, including:

• Preservation of natural teeth: Unlike tooth extraction, which removes the entire tooth, root canal therapy preserves the tooth structure. Thereby helping to maintain your natural smile and bite.
• Pain relief: Root canal therapy effectively eliminates tooth pain caused by infection or inflammation, allowing one to eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
• Prevention of further infection: By removing the infected pulp and sealing the tooth, root canal treatment consequently prevents the spread of infection to surrounding teeth and tissues.

Risks and complications of root canal

Although root canal treatment is generally safe, there are some risks and potential complications that it may come with, including:

• Incomplete removal of infection: In some cases, it may be challenging to completely remove all infected tissue from the root canal— leading to persistent infection.
• Inadequate filling: Canals may sometimes be underfilled or overfilled with sealant material. Thus increasing the likelihood of treatment failure.
• Fracture of the tooth: Following root canal treatment, the tooth may become more fragile and susceptible to fracture. This may occur, especially if it’s weakened by extensive decay or previous dental work.
• Untreated canals: Some teeth have more canals than roots, making them exceedingly challenging to locate and navigate during treatment. Unfortunately, missing a canal may lead to further complications, dictating additional treatment by an endodontist.

Root canal treatment steps

Root canal treatment usually involves the following defined steps:

Getting root canal x-ray

The first step during a root canal procedure involves taking an X-ray to examine the shape of the root canals. This is done to determine whether there are any evident signs of infection in the surrounding bone.

Cleaning the root canal

The dentist will then administer local anaesthesia to numb the area. After the tooth is numb, the dentist places a small protective sheet called a “dental dam” over the infected area. This is done to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free from any saliva during the procedure.

Afterwards, a small hole is drilled into the tooth in order to access the pulp chamber and root canals. Subsequently, the infected or diseased pulp is removed, and the canals are thoroughly cleaned using special tools.

Filling the root canal

Once the tooth has been thoroughly cleaned and dried, it is filled with gutta-percha, a rubber-like biocompatible material. The filling seals the canals to prevent further infection or contamination.

Adding root canal crown

After the final visit, a crown is usually placed on the tooth to restore its natural shape and appearance. If the tooth is severely broken down, it may need to be built up with a post and core before a crown can be made.

Root canal recovery time- how long does it take?

The healing period after a root canal treatment may vary depending on the severity of the tooth infection, the tooth’s pre-existing condition, and the patient’s general health.

In most cases, overall recovery time is between a few days to a month. In cases where a re-treatment of an old root canal is required, the healing process can take anywhere from one to four weeks.

During this time, patients might experience some sensitivity or discomfort, which is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief medication. Generally, it’s essential to follow good oral hygiene practices and avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it is fully restored.

Root canal treatment costs in Malaysia

The cost of a root canal treatment in Malaysia may vary widely based on:

• The complexity of the procedure.
• The expertise of the dentist.
• The specific tooth involved.

As a general estimate, the cost may range anywhere from MYR 800 to MYR 3,000. Some dental insurance policies cover a major part of the treatment, depending on factors such as the cause of trauma, etc.

Overall, it’s imperative to discuss the costs with your dentist or endodontist before starting the treatment.

Where can I get root canal treatment in Malaysia?

If you’re in need of root canal treatment in Malaysia, it’s essential to seek care from a qualified and experienced dentist or endodontist.

mydentist® offers comprehensive root canal treatment services, executed by a team of skilled dentists and state-of-the-art facilities. Our specialists are trained to minimise root canal risks and ensure proper healing.

So, whether you’re looking for a root canal dentist or specialist, you can trust mydentist® to provide personalised care and effective treatment.

FAQ on root canal treatment

What happens if I delay a root canal?

Delaying a root canal treatment may inadvertently lead to further complications. For example, the spread of infection to surrounding teeth and tissues, potential sepsis, intense pain, the formation of an abscess, and the eventual loss of the affected tooth.

In severe cases, delaying a root canal may result in systemic inflammation. In such a case, the infection spreads throughout the body. This condition may increase the risk of heart problems, stroke, and other serious health issues.

How long can a root canal take to heal?

The healing time after a root canal procedure varies depending on the individual’s oral health and the extent of the infection. Usually, you may expect the tooth to heal within a few weeks to a month.

Does root canal treatment hurt?

With modern dental technology and anaesthetics, a root canal is no more painful than getting a regular filling. However, there can be some discomfort or mild pain for a few days after the procedure. Over-the-counter pain relievers are typically sufficient to alleviate these symptoms.

Is a root canal done under local or general anaesthesia?

Root canal treatment is conventionally performed under local anaesthesia. This numbs the affected tooth and surrounding area to ensure a comfortable and pain-free experience.

In some rare instances, general anaesthesia may be made available for individuals who may be very anxious or have a high level of pain. General anaesthesia puts one to sleep throughout the entire process but comes with its own set of risks and considerations.

How many hours does a root canal take?

The length of a root canal treatment largely depends on the condition of the tooth and the number of canals that need to be treated. However, most root canal treatments are done in one to two appointments— with each lasting about 90 minutes to two hours.

Root canal vs. extraction: Which one should I choose?

Generally, the decision between a root canal and extraction depends on several factors, including infection severity, the condition of the tooth, and the patient’s overall health.

While extraction might seem like a faster and cheaper option, a root canal is often the preferred option as it allows you to preserve your natural tooth.

Conclusion

Root canal treatments have an appreciably high success rate, with many teeth lasting a lifetime after the procedure. Complications like new infections may occur. However, these are typically manageable through retreatment or surgical interventions like an apicoectomy.

Remember, maintaining regular dental check-ups can help detect problems early and potentially avoid the need for a root canal in the first place. However, if you do require one, rest assured that modern techniques have made the procedure more comfortable and less intimidating than ever before.