What is root canal treatment? Benefits & Risks of root canals

Persistent tooth decay or prolonged toothache may be signs of pulp damage. If not treated promptly, this condition can lead to infection or even tooth loss. In such cases, root canal treatment is an effective solution to protect the natural tooth and prevent serious complications. So, what exactly is root canal therapy? Let’s explore the details with Shark Dental Clinic in the article below.

What is a root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure designed to completely remove inflamed or dead pulp tissue from inside the tooth’s crown and root canals. After thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the affected area, the dentist shapes and seals the root canal system with specialized filling materials. This prevents bacteria from re-entering and causing reinfection.

The procedure is an effective solution for relieving prolonged toothache, preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible, and avoiding the need for tooth extraction.

How do I know if I need this procedure?

Not all cases of tooth pain require root canal treatment. To determine if this procedure is necessary, pay attention to the following signs and symptoms:

• Severe toothache at night: Unlike mild discomfort from early-stage cavities, intense, recurring pain at night that disrupts sleep may indicate that bacteria have penetrated deeply and begun attacking the dental pulp.
• Unusual or unexplained pain: Sometimes a tooth may appear normal, yet you experience sharp, penetrating pain radiating deep into the jaw or up to the head. These abnormal sensations suggest serious pulp damage and require immediate dental examination.
• Significant structural damage to the tooth: Heavily chipped or fractured teeth, especially when accompanied by persistent sensitivity, often indicate pulp involvement.
• Presence of pus and swollen gums: Untreated infections can spread to the tooth’s apex, forming abscesses. The surrounding gum tissue may become swollen, red, and tender, and may discharge pus, resulting in pain and bad breath.
• Prolonged tooth sensitivity: While brief sensitivity to hot or cold foods might indicate enamel damage, persistent sensitivity is likely a sign that the pulp has been affected and timely intervention is necessary.

Risks / Benefits

Understanding both the benefits and potential risks of root canal therapy enables patients to make informed decisions about their oral health.

What are the benefits of root canal therapy?

When experiencing the warning signs listed above, early root canal treatment offers several advantages:

• Eliminates pain: By removing inflamed or dead pulp tissue—the source of pain—root canal therapy relieves severe toothaches, restoring comfort in daily life.
• Controls and prevents infection spread: Early treatment cleans the infected area, reduces the risk of serious complications, and protects nearby teeth from bacterial invasion.
• Preserves natural tooth and aesthetics: Rather than resorting to extraction, root canal therapy preserves the natural tooth, maintaining proper alignment in the dental arch and preventing future bite misalignments.
• Reduces long-term dental costs: Timely pulp treatment and restoration help avoid more expensive procedures like dentures, bridges, or dental implants due to tooth loss.
• Optimizes treatment time: Addressing the issue before complete pulp necrosis makes the procedure simpler and faster, reducing the number of dental visits and increasing the success rate.
• Prevents systemic health risks: Eliminating bacterial infection lessens the burden on the immune system, which is especially important for patients with underlying health conditions.

What are the risks or complications of this procedure?

While root canal treatment boasts a high success rate, it carries certain risks and potential complications, especially if not performed correctly. These include:

• Weakened tooth structure and higher fracture risk: Once the dental pulp is removed, the tooth loses its blood supply, making it more brittle and prone to chipping or cracking during chewing.
• Tooth discoloration: A lack of internal nourishment can cause the tooth to gradually darken over time, affecting the overall aesthetics of your smile.
• Negative impact on the sinus cavity: Improper root canal techniques may lead to fluid leaking into the sinus membrane, potentially resulting in sinusitis, headaches, or nasal congestion.
• Risk of allergic reactions to filling materials: Patients with sensitivities may experience swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing due to allergic reactions to the materials used in the root canal.
• Persistent pain due to incomplete pulp removal: Inadequate cleaning or accidental nerve damage caused by poor technique may result in reinfection and ongoing pain.

How much does a root canal cost?

The cost of root canal treatment typically ranges from 50$ to 160$ per tooth. This price depends on several factors, including the number of canals, the tooth’s position, the method of treatment, and the dental clinic providing the service.

To help you prepare, here is the detailed price list for Shark Dental Clinic:

Is a root canal painful?

You will not experience pain during the root canal procedure. In fact, the treatment is designed to eliminate the pain caused by infection. With modern local anesthesia techniques, the treated area is completely numbed, allowing you to remain comfortable throughout the procedure with little to no discomfort.

After the treatment, mild sensitivity may occur as the anesthesia wears off, but this is a normal part of the healing process and typically subsides quickly. Pain may only be a concern if the pulp removal is incomplete or if the procedure is performed at a low-quality clinic. Therefore, it is vital to choose a reputable dental clinic with experienced dentists for a safe and effective treatment experience.

How long does it take to recover from a root canal?

Recovery after root canal treatment usually takes a few days to about one week, depending on individual health conditions and the complexity of the case. Most patients can return to work and normal daily activities within 2 to 3 days. However, if the tooth was severely infected beforehand or if the procedure was more complex, complete stabilization of the surrounding tissues may take a bit longer.

In the first few days, mild soreness or sensitivity is common, but these symptoms typically diminish and disappear entirely within seven days. If severe pain persists beyond one week or shows no signs of improvement, it is essential to contact your dentist immediately to ensure there are no complications and that healing is progressing as expected.

We hope this article has provided you with a clearer understanding of root canal treatment. Early intervention when abnormal dental symptoms arise is the most effective way to preserve natural teeth, relieve pain, and prevent serious complications. If you are experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, contact Shark Dental Clinic today at hotline (+84) 941 623 322 for professional consultation and prompt appointment scheduling.