Are you dealing with a toothache or an inflamed tooth nerve? A root canal treatment is a common dental procedure that prevents a tooth from having to be pulled. At The Delft Dental Practice in Delft, we perform this treatment with care and attention, so that your teeth remain healthy for as long as possible.
Root Canal Treatment: Pros and Cons
Root canal treatment is performed when the nerve of a tooth or molar inflamed or damaged is. The main benefit is preserving your natural tooth. The risk of complications is small, but pain after root canal treatment can sometimes occur once the anesthesia wears off. The success rate varies from person to person and depends on the severity of the inflammation.
What causes tooth or molar pain?
A toothache has several causes, such as tooth decay or infections. Common symptoms include:
- Sensitivity to chewing
- Pain with hot or cold food
- Sensitivity to sweet
- Redness or swelling at the jawbone
What is root canal treatment and how does it work
Root canal treatment involves removing the diseased pulp tissue - which contains nerves and blood vessels. In doing so, we prevent further infection and loss of the tooth. These are the main steps in treatment:
- Tooth or molar anesthesia
- Drilling an opening to the root canal (possibly removing fillings or crowns)
- Cleaning with a chlorine solution
- Filing the root canals to length
- Padding with rubber pins
- Closure with a filling or crown (sometimes with post buildup)
- Checking with x-rays
- In some cases, we engage a specialist.
Pain after root canal treatment and possible complications
Although most root canal treatments are successful, complications can arise. Consider:
- Recurrent inflammation
- Damage to crown or post
- Fracture or weakening of the tooth
- Perforations or pain due to flushing agent
In rare cases, a second treatment or surgery is required.
Root canal treatment or pulling? Alternatives in a row
If you do not have root canal treatment, you run the risk of spreading inflammation and losing jawbone. Alternatives are:
- Waiting for obvious symptoms (with risks)
- Apex resection: removal of the root tip
- Extraction: pulling the tooth or molar
Our dentists will be happy to advise you on the right choice.
Root canal treatment or pulling? Alternatives in a row
Root canal treatment at De Delftse Tandartspraktijk in Delft
At The Delft Dental Practice we perform root canal treatments out with an eye for comfort, quality and flexibility. We will coordinate the treatment plan with you and be there for you in case of any post-operative pain.
During the consultation, the dentist will examine the condition of your tooth or molar with you. Together, the treatment plan will be tailored to your needs. After that, the treatment will take place, and we are here for you if any pain occurs post-treatment.
It's essential to choose the right dentist where you feel comfortable undergoing a root canal treatment. You can come to us for a consultation to get to know our practice better. Would you prefer to make use of our services right away? Register now so that we can welcome you to our practice.
Frequently asked questions about root canal treatment
The treatment itself is not painful because we always anesthetize well. Many patients are surprised that it's not too bad. Afterwards, however, you may experience some post-treatment pain or sensitivity, especially with pressure on the tooth. This usually disappears within a few days and is well relieved with painkillers.