A root canal is a procedure done to remove infected and inflamed tissue from the tooth’s nerve. A dentist will clean out the canals of your teeth, disinfect them and fill them with a material that will last for many years (usually a tooth-coloured composite). Many people with teeth that are not infected, but have nerve irritation from the lack of a root canal, will have the same procedure done to relieve pain.
Who is it For?
People with infected or inflamed canals. Not people with normal canals, but if canals were found to be infected after extraction and the same procedure was not done, you would be much more likely to have an infection. The same goes for inflamed nerves, if the canals were found to be infected or in pain, or for cracked and chipped teeth. Damage to the root from trauma can also lead to infection.
What are the benefits of a Root Canal?
Many benefits come from having a root canal, and they include the following:
1. Relieves pain
The significant benefit is that the pain of the diseased tooth is relieved. Instead of being inflamed, the nerve is sealed off and protected by a sealant. Many people with a root canal are not bothered by their root canals and can continue eating with little or no pain. Many people prefer the procedure because they feel it is cleaner than extracting the tooth. Dentists can work in the canals of your teeth, making it easier for you to eat. The nerve isn’t injured, so the pain of chewing is not as intense.
2. Prevents infection
Even with root canals, certain canals are more prone than others to infection. However, the tooth is sealed with a root canal, and no bacteria can get in. That does not mean that infection will not happen, but many people say they have had much less pain and fewer problems after a root canal. For people with infected storm and flood-damaged teeth, the chances of getting infections are significantly reduced if the root canal is done.
3. Prevents Tooth Loss
The procedure is much safer than an extraction. A root canal will not damage or crack the tooth because there is no risk of injuring the nerve. It may take only 10 minutes, instead of 2 hours, to do a root canal. All that time is spent in the chair, not in the other room, waiting for your teeth to dry out and for a dentist to extract them. A dentist can easily remove the nerve with no problem. A root canal can also fix teeth that are cracked or chipped on the biting surface, preventing further damage to the tooth.
4. Prevents Jawbone degeneration
The jawbone is not as susceptible when dental repairs are done with just one end of the bone. A jawbone that is too weak can cause a lot of pain. This can be hard to detect without an x-ray or CT scan since the mouth is not very efficient in changing the jawbone’s shape. Try to get this checked out by your dentist because it could save you a lot of money in the long run if your dental work is appropriate.
5. Improves Overall Oral Health
Good oral care, including brushing and flossing after a root canal, should help the rest of the mouth to become healthier. A healthy mouth will have better teeth and gums, leading to a healthier neck and shoulder. The jawbone is also strengthened with good oral care. If you have to have your tooth extracted due to infection, the jawbone can weaken even more if it is not strong enough to hold it in place.
6. Improves Teeth Aesthetics
After having a root canal done, the teeth are often whiter and more muscular. People who have their teeth extracted without the procedure will find that the teeth start to decalcify, get discoloured and crack faster. The sealant with a root canal will last for years, and many people have found that their teeth are healthier after this procedure.
Conclusion
If you have a root canal and you are not a candidate for extraction, there are many benefits to having the procedure done. It can make eating easier, prevent infection and keep your teeth longer. Much of the Pain is relieved because the nerve is protected. Many people choose to have a root canal when they feel their tooth is not infected, but good oral health should be treated. The tooth will be able to last longer, and with reasonable care, it should remain healthy for many years.