Root canal therapy can be exceptionally effective when it comes to saving a severely decayed tooth. But can you fix a root canal without surgery? Please read our article to learn the difference between surgical and nonsurgical root canal procedures.
Can You Fix a Root Canal Without Surgery?
You can fix a root canal without surgery. In fact, in most cases, root canal therapy is a nonsurgical procedure. The surgical procedure of a root canal is also called endodontic surgery. It might be needed in cases when a nonsurgical procedure is not sufficient to remove the infection or fully treat the damage. For example, the following cases will most likely call for an endodontic surgery:
- Calcium deposits in root canals
- Fractures or areas of infection undetected by an X-ray
- Damaged root surfaces
- Damaged or infected gum or bone tissue around the tooth or its roots
- Cracks in the tooth
In some cases of ineffective or failed previous dental work, it might need to be fixed via endodontic surgery in order to save the tooth.
Now, as we explained the basic difference between surgical and nonsurgical root canal treatments, let us look in more detail at what happens during each procedure.
What Happens During a Nonsurgical Root Canal Procedure
Before the procedure, your doctor will give you a shot of local anesthetic in the gum tissue in the area of the procedure. Once the anesthetic starts working, which usually takes a couple of minutes, your doctor will access the inner chamber of the tooth through its crown, remove the infected pulp, and clean the canals. Then, the canals of the tooth will be filled with a biocompatible dental material to prevent reinfection.
If the tooth is substantially weakened by decay and is not able to function without additional support, your doctor will recommend placing a dental crown on top of it. A dental crown will reinforce the tooth and protect it from further damage.
What Happens During a Surgical Root Canal Procedure
The phrase “a surgical procedure” can sound daunting. However, patients should not be worried when their doctor recommends them to undergo endodontic surgery. Modern local anesthetic and sedation options make the procedure pain and stress-free. In addition, such advanced tools as digital imaging and operating microscopes allow your doctor to perform the procedure with precision.
Similar to a nonsurgical root canal treatment, the procedure starts with an injection of a local anesthetic. Then, your doctor will make an incision in the gum near the infected tooth to access its roots or the bone tissue around it and remove the infection. In some cases, a part of the tooth’s root can also be removed. Also, a filling might be placed to seal the end of the tooth’s root. Once the damage and infection are treated, your doctor will place stitches on the gum tissue to help it heal faster.
In most cases, the recovery period after an endodontic surgery is around seven to ten days and does not cause any significant discomfort. Most patients are able to return to their daily activities within 24 hours after the procedure.
Signs You Might Require Root Canal Therapy
Remember that only a qualified dentist can give you an accurate diagnosis and recommend an appropriate procedure after examining your tooth and conducting x-rays or scans. However, several common symptoms might signify that you will require root canal therapy:
- Severe toothache (can intensify with time or come and go over several days)
- Persistent bad breath or unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Swollen jaw on
- The red, irritated, or swollen gum tissue around the tooth that might be infected
- Cysts or pimples on the gums
- A tooth that is painful to touch or aches when you chew
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks
The symptoms we listed above and their intensity might vary from patient to patient. In some cases, only one symptom can be present; in others, several symptoms can be present at once. Sometimes, tooth decay can go unnoticed by the patient for some time, as it does not cause any discomfort at all until the infection becomes severe. That is why we recommend visiting your dentist every six months for checkups and professional cleanings.
Make an Appointment at Turquoise Dental Today
If you need root canal treatment or to fix a previously failed procedure, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced and attentive dentist at Turquoise Dental Today. Our specialists create a stress-free environment for our patients and use up-to-date methods to deliver reliable results. We look forward to your visit.
