Can I Heal a Root Canal Naturally?
Sep 01, 2022
What Is a Root Canal?
It is a type of endodontic treatment that targets the infected pulp of a tooth. The treatment focuses on eliminating bacteria in a diseased tooth to save it. Ideally, a root canal treats the insides of a tooth to prevent tooth loss.
When Is A Root Canal Necessary?
When you visit us at Holland River Dental, our dental team will first evaluate your oral cavity to determine the extent of your problem. We are likely to recommend a root canal procedure if you have any of the following indicators:
- A deep cavity – dental caries are the leading reason for getting root canal procedures in dentistry. A dental cavity impacts the entire tooth by breaching the enamel, allowing the entry of bacteria into the tooth pulp.
- Hypersensitivity – is when your tooth is highly sensitive to temperature changes or air.
- Cracked or broken tooth – the fracture can be deep enough to damage the nerve endings in the tooth pulp.
- Toothache – a toothache can be unsettling enough that you are willing to extract your natural tooth. A root canal procedure helps save your tooth by treating the root cause of the pain.
What to Expect During a Tooth Canal Procedure
The best way to prepare for any dental procedure is by learning the details of the treatment beforehand. Some things you should expect during an endodontic treatment are:
- Numbing and sedation – local anesthesia numbs your mouth to ensure you undergo a pain-free procedure. Sedation dentistry, on the other hand, helps calm your nerves and promotes relaxation during dental work.
- Drilling – your dentist in Newmarket will make a hole in your tooth enamel to access the inner layer. The drilling is also necessary to remove the damaged tooth enamel.
- Cleaning, shaping, and filling – the dentist will begin cleaning your tooth pulp, removing damaged tissues and bacteria. (S)he will also disinfect the canal to kill any traces of remnant bacteria. The following steps entail reshaping the canal before filling it with a filler called gutta-percha.
- Dental filling – a tooth filling is necessary to seal the tooth and prevent future cases of re-entry of bacteria into the tooth. In some cases, the dentist will recommend a separate visit to install a dental crown to hold the tooth and the dental filling in place.
How to Self-Care After a Root Canal?
The fundamental of any successful dental treatment is in the after-care measures. The better care you accord your oral cavity after a dental procedure, the higher the chances of success in your treatment. The same applies to endodontic treatments like root canal procedures. Some of the ways to care for your tooth after a root canal procedure are:
- Eat healthily – healthy meals play a significant role in providing nutrients and energy for speedy healing.
- Eat soft foods – other than picking healthy meals, it helps to eat soft and well-cooked foods. They reduce the strain of chewing to break down hard food particles. The more you heal, the better placed you will be to eat harder foods.
- Chew away from the treated tooth – allow the treated tooth to rest before you over-exert it with chewing tough foods. After a while, you should feel comfortable enough to chew on both sides of your mouth.
- Keep your mouth clean – you cannot afford to compromise on proper oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing your teeth is mandatory to disallow bacteria overgrowth that causes oral infections.
- Track your progress – you should not be stressing over slight tooth sensitivity during the first two weeks of recovery. However, keep track of the changes in your oral health post-treatment to know when to contact your dentist for emergency care.
Can A Failed Root Canal Heal Itself?
Sometimes you may need to visit a dental clinic in Bradford for retreatment after a root canal procedure. Although it is not very common, root canal treatments can fail. When they fail, you may begin to experience similar dental problems as you had before. Some patients experience new problems altogether. Either way, such a tooth cannot heal by itself without treatment. Endodontic retreatment is necessary for correcting the problem to treat pain, flush our bacteria, and assure longevity for your tooth.