Indispensable Facts to Know About RCT On Kirkwood Highway

The moment a dentist tells a patient about root canal therapy, there is a sense of panic. Most of us have heard some really dreadful things about the procedure, and if you are feeling anxious, it is not unusual. The truth is dental care has improved drastically in the last two decades, and most treatments are safer than ever. While you can always discuss specific aspects with your dentist Kirkwood highway Delaware, here are some essential facts about root canal therapy that are worth your attention. 

Root canal therapy is not painful

That’s the first thing every patient needs to know. While the procedure itself is scary because of the tiny needles (known as dental files) used by the dentist, there is no pain. Your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the treatment site, and you will not feel anything. 

You may not have evident symptoms

Root canal therapy, or RCT, is necessary when you have deep decay in a tooth that has affected the nerves and pulp inside. Symptoms usually include sensitivity, abscess in the gums, and toothaches, but some patients may not have any of these signs. At times, a dentist may suspect an infection and take dental X-rays to confirm the diagnosis. 

Reduced pain doesn’t mean RCT can be avoided 

Patients often endure initial signs of sensitivity and mild toothaches, assuming these are common symptoms and will subside with time. Unfortunately, that is rarely the case. If the infection has already reached the pulp, RCT is necessary anyway. Also, with time, the pulp may die, but the infection can affect the roots. Don’t ignore signs of tooth decay, and see a dentist. 

Antibiotics aren’t enough for a deep infection

Many patients also assume that they can take antibiotics and avoid root canal therapy, but that is a misconception. Because antibiotics reach the infected site through the bloodstream, it is impossible to treat a deep infection in a tooth with just that alone. While your dentist may recommend antibiotics to accelerate healing, that is not a replacement for RCT. 

You may experience some pain after RCT

Once the anesthesia effects wear off, it is common to experience some swelling, pain, and discomfort after root canal therapy. However, these side effects should subside in a few days. Dentists usually give painkillers and medications for pain management and faster healing, and you can return to your regular work within a day or two. 

Getting a crown is non-negotiable

You may believe that just getting rid of the infected tooth is enough, but extraction can cause more problems. If you don’t replace the missing tooth, other teeth can shift from position, and eventually, you will end up with a misaligned bite. Root canal therapy is the most effective way of saving a tooth that has been damaged by decay or cavities. 

While root canal therapy does help in saving an infected tooth from extraction, it also weakens the tooth. The tooth is more prone to breakage, which is why it is critical to get a dental crown. A crown works like a cap and covers the entire surface of the treated tooth, which is visible over the gums. That will help restore the strength and shape so that you can chew and talk normally.

You may need more appointments 

Pulling a tooth is not better

RCT can be completed in one session, but if the canals are curved, calcified, or hard to reach, your dentist may divide the treatment into two or more appointments. This helps the gums and teeth to heal for better outcomes. Between the sessions, you will have a temporary filling on the tooth.

Talk to your dentist in Kirkwood highway today to know more about RCT.