It will be surprising to be recommended with root canal therapy, even if feeling no obvious pain or discomfort. Is that what’s happening with you? We understand your curiousness to know whether a root canal is necessary for you. 

In this blog, you can get expert answers to your questions and learn about root canal indications and procedures with the insights of AK Global Dent dentists who offer Painless and Best Root Canal Treatment in Gurgaon. 

What is a root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is an endodontic treatment for a severely damaged or infected tooth. It is the last resort for people who want to preserve their natural teeth and achieve and maintain their healthy, beautiful smile.

What are the signs that a root canal is necessary?

The most common sign indicating the need for a root canal is excruciating/throbbing pain in the infected/damaged/inflamed tooth. Root canal therapy is the most effective solution to end toothache.

Other indications for a root canal include:

1. Discoloration/darkening of the tooth

2. A visible chip/crack to a tooth

3. A tooth highly sensitive to extreme temperatures and pressure

4. Pimple-like bumps on the gums next to the tooth

If there is no pain? Will I need a root canal?

It is a popular negative reception that a root canal is only required to provide relief to a patient experiencing toothache or showing symptoms of severe tooth infection or damage. A root canal therapy still might be necessary in the following cases:

1. A new infection- A dental X-ray might spot a tooth infection or problem that has not developed to the extent of causing an aching tooth. With immediate treatment of the tooth by a dental professional, the patient can avoid suffering from future oral and general health issues.    

2. Dead nerve tissue inside the tooth- Nerves function in sending signals to the brain. If there is death of tooth nerves due to an infection or damage, pain signals won’t be sent to the brain so the patient would not go for treatment. However, the infection that has led to dead nerves might still be there and would continue to spread to nearby tissues and ultimately to other body parts. With root canal therapy, this infection can be stopped in its tracks.

3. Need of a crown- For a damaged tooth, root canal therapy is required before placing an implant post that serves as a base support for the dental crown and helps completely restore the tooth structure and function. 

What happens during a root canal treatment?

Here is a stepwise procedure for a root canal treatment:

1. Firstly, an endodontist numbs the tooth to be treated with local anesthesia.

2. After the anesthesia takes its effect, an endodontist drills a small hole into the tooth to get access to the innermost portion of the tooth- the pulp chamber and root canals. In some cases, drilling is not needed.  

3. Next, an endodontist uses special instruments to take out damaged/infected tooth pulp. The root canals are thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and shaped.

4. Further, an endodontist fills and seals the root canals with gutta-percha, a rubber-like material, thereby avoiding re-infection. Gutta-percha is even used to close the hole drilled into the tooth.

5. Lastly, an endodontist uses a dental crown/cap to completely restore the natural tooth function and protect it from further damage.

What if I delay or ignore getting a root canal?

If a root canal is recommended by a doctor during a regular dental checkup and you still ignore or delay it, a dental plaque-causing bacteria may infiltrate the tooth’s pulp, severely inflame the nerve endings of the tooth, and further spread to other parts of the body, via the bloodstream. A root canal can heal and save the infected natural tooth and not going with it can result in tooth loss.

The Takeaway

Postponing treatment of a severely infected or damaged tooth with a root canal, even if no pain, isn’t advised. You should not wait to experience an intense toothache or else you would end up losing your natural tooth. 

So, take immediate action and get today at AK Global Dent clinic. We look forward to helping you and even answering and addressing your questions and concerns. 

We offer the best, gentle root canal therapy and other dental restoration services such as Dental implants and even braces and Invisalign Treatment in Gurgaon at affordable prices in our welcoming, modern dental clinic.