You might feel anxious and scared to take your first root canal treatment. This is because you are not familiar with the dental procedures and might have heard about its misconception. Do you know that in rare cases, root canal treatment might be the only option to consider to avoid the loss of a tooth. Saving your natural teeth is the best thing and nothing artificial can look or function the same. But you need to know what the treatment is and what the root canal treatment side effects are.
What is a root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is nothing but removing the top part of the tooth which is called the crown, and the part that is below the gum is the roots. Your entire tooth is made of roots and it’s responsible for holding it in place with the help of bone and tissues.
Your natural tooth structure has a chamber in the middle of the crown and the root canals. When your tooth gets infected, it causes pain and the decay will get deep. In this situation, you might need a root canal treatment. This is also known as endodontic treatment.
The treatment involves cleaning the canals to remove bacteria and the pulp. The treatment aims to prevent reinfection and it is usually done by a dentist or an endodontist and the treatment might include one or two appointments.
What are the signs of infection?
Specific signs might show that you have a diseased tooth and therefore you might need a root canal treatment. The signs include;
- Tooth discoloration
- Severe pain
- Swelling and pain in the gums
- Inability to bite
- Cavities in Tooth
Your dentist might suggest a root canal treatment in such a situation to prevent the loss of a tooth.
The side effects of root canal treatment?
The treatment is highly safe and in rare cases, patients might get side effects. Some of the possible root canal treatment side effects are;
Discoloration of tooth
As the treatment involves removing the nerves from the teeth, you might see a slight discoloration. While all who take the treatment don’t face this issue, only in care cases discoloration happens.
Reduced tooth function
The structure of the tooth becomes weaker after the treatment. You can’t expect it to function like how it was before. The risk is also slightly higher compared to other teeth. If you have taken this treatment, you must avoid biting hard foods such as almonds, etc. This is to avoid the risk of fracture.
Inflammation
The treatment involves removing the canal chambers so you might experience pain for a day or two.
Nerve Damage
www.floridadentalmalpractice.com
The nerves of the tooth can be damaged. If this happens then you need to discuss this with your dentists to talk about the treatment options. Nerve damage can be painful and needs immediate medication.
Tooth breakage
penndentalmedicine.org
A crown on the tooth that is removed is a must. This keeps the tooth healthy and strong. Your tooth might crack or break if you don’t fix a crown. So, make sure to get a crown fixed within a couple of days after getting the treatment done.
Damage to surrounding teeth
Your surrounding teeth might get damaged during the process, this can also result in tissue damage and further lead to major dental issues that might require immediate treatment.
Weakens Teeth
www.eagleendodontics.com
After the process, the treated tooth might become weak and it can also result in fractures. That is why a crown is essential in root canal treatment.
Can trigger sinus infection
In many cases, the infection in your teeth might get to the sinus. You might experience congestion, stuffy nose, or face swellings. These infections can also trigger sinus complications.
Fever and fatigue
After the treatment, some might experience tiredness and fever for a week or so. This is because the infection might get into your blood. Fever shows that your immune system is fighting to kill the bacteria.
In addition, there are some undiscovered side effects of the treatment that are not mentioned here. If there are any side effects, then you need to schedule an appointment with the doctor immediately.
How to reduce the risks from the treatment?
Take treatment from highly qualified dentists and endodontists. Before taking the treatment, you need to speak to the doctor about the complications that might happen before and after the treatment. If you have any side effects, then you visit the clinic to speak about it. Stay aware of the risks and seek professional help if you think that there is something wrong.
FAQs
Q1. Is a root canal a painful treatment?
This is a dental procedure that is used to treat infection and the treatment is not painful.
Q2. How long does it take to heal?
Wait for at least a week or two to heal the treatment. You might never experience it once it gets healed.
Q3. Is a root canal a surgery?
A root canal is a simple procedure and it undergoes an anesthesia procedure to reduce the pain.
Q4. Is root canal treatment safe?
Yes, root canal treatment is safe and the most valuable dental technique you could get. By getting this treatment, you are sure that your mouth is pain-free and healthy.
Q5. How long does a root canal last?
Root canal is a successful treatment and can last lifelong. If you suspect that there is any infection in your tooth, then consult your doctor immediately.
Conclusion
Root canal treatment side effects can be prevented by taking proper oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice and use a toothpaste that has fluoride. Visit your dentist regularly and floss the teeth to prevent the buildup.
