Have you ever heard of a root canal and wondered what it was? Or, perhaps you already know about root canals but don’t understand the difference between a root canal and root canal therapy. We will explain the differences between these two treatments and help you decide if one is right for you.
Root Canals
A root canal is an endodontic procedure involving removing infected or damaged tooth pulp inside a tooth. During this process, the dentist removes infected tissue, decontaminates the area, and seals off the space with a special material called gutta-percha. This type of procedure is done to save a tooth from further infection and damage.
Root Canal Therapy
On the other hand, root canal therapy is a much more comprehensive treatment involving multiple steps and components. This often includes root canal treatment but can also include crowns, fillings, or sealants. Root canal therapy typically begins with a thorough examination of the mouth and teeth to determine if the patient needs additional treatments beyond root canals.
Symptoms
The most common symptom associated with needing a root canal is pain. If you experience severe pain when eating or drinking hot or cold beverages could indicate an infection inside your tooth that needs to be addressed.
Another symptom that may indicate the need for root canal therapy is swelling in the gums around a particular tooth. Swelling is often an indication of infection and should be checked by your dentist immediately.
Risks
Although both procedures are relatively safe, they have some potential risks. Root canals can sometimes cause discomfort during the procedure or further problems if not properly sealed off after treatment. For example, bacteria could enter through unchecked areas and cause further damage.
Root canal therapy also carries risks, including the possibility of infection due to inadequate cleaning or sealing of the treated area. Additionally, crowns or other treatments may be imperfectly placed and cause further problems.
Cost
The cost of root canal procedures and root canal therapy vary widely depending on the extent of the treatment needed. Generally, root canals are less expensive than more comprehensive treatments, such as root canal therapy.
Conclusion
Root canals and root canal therapies are very different procedures with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Root canals involve removing infected or damaged tooth pulp from inside a tooth to save it from further damage, while root canal therapy is a much more comprehensive process that includes multiple steps and components. When considering a procedure, it’s essential to understand the risks and costs associated with each process to make an informed decision.
FAQ
Q: How do I know if I need a root canal or therapy?
A: If you're experiencing severe pain when eating or drinking hot or cold beverages, swelling in the gums around a particular tooth, or other signs of infection, it may be time to consider a root canal procedure. For more comprehensive treatments like root canal therapy, your dentist will perform an examination and take x-rays to determine what type of treatment is necessary.
Q: Is the cost of the procedure covered by insurance?
A: It depends on your specific insurance plan. In some cases, certain procedures may be covered while others are not. Contact your insurance provider to find out what is covered and what isn't.
Q: Are there any risks associated with these procedures?
A: Potential risks are associated with root canals and root canal therapies. With root canals, bacteria could enter through unchecked areas and cause further damage. Root canal therapy carries the risk of infection due to inadequate cleaning or sealing of the treated area and imperfectly placed crowns or other treatments.
