Root canal filling and which is better, nerve filling or tooth extraction?

Root Canal Treatment, Our teeth are often exposed to many factors that cause cavities, especially when we neglect oral hygiene regularly. If we do not take the matter seriously and treat the cavities in their early stages, the situation becomes more difficult when the decay reaches the nerve, and the pain becomes unbearable.

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is one of the specialties of dentistry; where the damaged or inflamed nerve of the tooth is removed and replaced with a suitable dental filling to preserve the tooth instead of extracting it. The dentist is prompted to take this step for several reasons, including:

• If the molar or tooth is affected by a cavity and is not treated in its early stages, then it reaches the nerve and pulp of the tooth.
• When teeth are cracked or fractured.
• When the molar is subjected to a strong blow that negatively affected the pulp of the tooth or when it becomes inflamed due to advanced decay, it needs the intervention of the dentist and removal of the damaged nerve.
• When the face hits a hard surface.
• Exposure to an accident or severe blow to the jaw area.
• The need for the dentist to perform multiple treatments for the same tooth, such as having fillings on different surfaces.
• Swelling of the face due to inflammation in the gums.

“Get the healthy smile you deserve with our The Dental Center and effective and reliable root canal treatment.”

How do I know that the decay has reached the nerve?

The signs and symptoms vary from one case to another depending on the severity of the decay reaching the nerve due to the penetration of microbes and bacteria into the nerve or the occurrence of a fracture in the dentin that protects the tooth and prevents bacteria and cavities from reaching the pulp. These symptoms include:

• The pain extends from the tooth, and the patient feels it in the head and ear.
• The patient feels a throbbing or pulsing sensation in the affected tooth.
• Sensitivity to cold and hot drinks; where the patient experiences pain while consuming them due to a hole in the tooth that extends to the pulp.
• The patient feels pain in the jaw, either from talking or spontaneous pain, and it increases during the night.
• Irritation in the affected tooth, and it increases when pressure is applied.
• If the affected tooth is in the upper jaw, the patient has difficulty concentrating with their eye.
• If there is an abscess in the gums, the patient experiences bouts of headaches.

How do I differentiate between nerve pain and decay?

The difference between nerve pain and decay can be distinguished by visiting the dentist and taking an X-ray of the affected tooth to determine the type of decay, whether it is in the nerve or regular. Additionally, there may be a tangible difference between them that the patient can feel, including:

• In case of regular decay: The patient feels relief by taking medications and medical drugs and does not experience sensitivity in the tooth when consuming hot or cold foods or drinks.
• In case of nerve decay: The pain does not go away with painkillers, and it is possible for the face to swell or pus to come out of the affected tooth, and the patient does not feel comfortable when moving their jaw.

You can learn more about root canal treatment by reading the following article.

What happens if the nerve is not treated?

If the nerve is not removed, there are several negative complications that occur for the patient, including:

• The patient experiences unbearable pain and is unable to speak or move their jaw.
• Increased cracks in the tooth root.
• Continued inflammation due to failure to remove all harmful tissues from the internal canals of the teeth.
• Increased decay and erosion in the tooth, making it more brittle.
• Inflammation in the gums, and the patient feels that they have become frayed due to the increased decay and failure to receive proper treatment.
• Damage to all tissues in the molar, and it is possible that it may affect the surrounding teeth, in which case the filling is no longer suitable, and extraction is required.

Does every root canal treatment need a crown?

Not all cases require a crown after root canal treatment, but it is common to have a crown installed to preserve the tooth from fracture or decay because it becomes significantly weakened and brittle after the filling procedure. Installing a crown, of course, requires certain procedures to maintain it and handle it properly. If the patient encounters any problems related to the crown later on, they should contact the dentist immediately.

Does root canal treatment require anesthesia?

Yes, root canal treatment requires anesthesia. Although the anesthesia injection is a nightmare for dental patients, its pain is bearable. After all, it is the pain of a needle, unlike the root canal procedure, where the dentist cleans the tooth from decay and uses a drilling tool to remove the damaged parts of the nerve to be replaced with a suitable filling.

Steps of Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment has several steps that may vary depending on the patient’s dental condition, but there are several fixed steps, including:

• The dentist takes X-rays of the teeth to determine the root canals that have been damaged and need their nerves removed.
• Administering an anesthetic injection to the patient in the affected tooth or the surrounding area.
• Drilling; where the decay is drilled and cleaned until reaching the root canal in the tooth pulp.
• Removing the damaged nerve tissues from the root canal.
• If the decay is deep, the dentist applies a lining inside the cavity.
• The dentist uses special chemical materials to devitalize the nerve and sterilize the root canal.
• Placing a temporary filling inside the root canal at a suitable height to seal it.
• In some cases, the dentist places a crown on the tooth to improve its appearance and protect it from extraction.

“Strong and healthy teeth start from the inside. Schedule an appointment at our The Dental Center today for outstanding root canal treatment.”

Which is better, root canal treatment or tooth extraction?

Root canal treatment is better than tooth extraction, but the answer to this question may vary depending on the complete information about the patient’s health condition. The treating dentist for the case is the only one who can answer the question based on the condition of the teeth, the patient’s age, and other information.

How many sessions are required for root canal treatment?

The number of root canal treatment sessions ranges from one to three sessions. It is a common procedure used to treat inflammation of the dental nerve or root injury. The number of sessions varies from one dentist to another depending on:

• The state of decay that the teeth have reached.
• The type of filling used; gold requires more than one session.
• If there is an abscess or inflammation in the gums, it needs to be treated first with antibiotics, resulting in multiple sessions.
• The patient’s health condition, whether they suffer from chronic medical conditions or not.

For more information about the number of sessions for root canal treatment, click here.

Can root canal treatment be done in one session?

It is possible for the root canal treatment to be done in one session if the patient’s health condition allows it and their teeth are not inflamed or contain an abscess or pus that needs to be treated first before starting the root canal session. Additionally, some fillings like amalgam and composite are done in a single session.

How long does the pain last after root canal treatment?

The normal pain after the filling lasts for several days, with the patient following the treating dentist’s instructions to take medications and medical painkillers such as ibuprofen. All dentists warn against using any type of treatment without consulting the dentist to avoid exposing the patient to any harmful side effects.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment (or dental nerve treatment) is a procedure in which damaged or dead tissues are removed from inside the tooth root, and then the cavity is filled with a special filling material. Root canal treatment aims to preserve the tooth and its function, avoiding its extraction. The main advantages and disadvantages of root canal treatment include:

Advantages of root canal treatment: This procedure treats decay and erosion to extend the life of the affected tooth or molar, preventing its extraction. The patient then does not need tooth implants or other alternatives. It also improves the appearance of the mouth and makes the patient more confident.

Disadvantages of root canal treatment: The notable disadvantages of root canal treatment include:

• Nerve irritation.
• Improper tooth alignment.
• Inflammation in the tooth pulp.

What should I do after root canal treatment?

The healing process does not depend solely on the success of the procedure; the patient must also take utmost care during the following days after the root canal treatment by following some of these tips:

• Avoid chewy foods that can dislodge the filling, such as chewing gum and jellies.
• Avoid consuming hot and cold drinks until the gums heal and do not become sensitive.
• Be sure not to eat or drink water after the filling for a period ranging from one to three hours.
• Avoid solid foods that put pressure on the jaws, which can cause the filling to break.
• Avoid sweets that contain a high sugar content, which plays a significant role in the formation of bacteria and the spread of cavities.

What are the alternatives to root canal treatment?

There are several alternatives to root canal treatment that dentists use when there is a need to treat the dental nerve. Some of these alternatives include:

• • Removable dentures: These are dental devices used to replace missing teeth and restore oral functions. They consist of a plastic base designed to fit the gums and jaw, and contain artificial teeth made of materials such as porcelain or resin. Removable dentures are designed to be removable by the patient.
  • Dental implants: This is a surgical procedure used to replace missing teeth. Artificial roots made of titanium or similar materials are implanted into the jawbone to secure artificial replacements that mimic natural teeth.
  • Fixed bridge installation: This procedure involves replacing a missing tooth with a fixed bridge connected to the adjacent teeth, using the bridge to fill the gap between teeth and restore jaw functions and smile appearance.
  • Herbal remedies: Some herbal remedies can be used as an alternative to root canal treatment, such as natural oud and natural musk. Small pieces of these herbs are placed in the cleaned and disinfected root canals.
  • X-ray filling: A modern technique that uses X-rays to fill the root canals. A special device is used to employ X-rays to fill and seal the root canals.