Can Root Canal Heal Naturally?

If you are experiencing a toothache, it is the first common sign that you have a damaged or infected root canal. A root canal is the inner layer of a tooth that houses the pulp cavity, responsible for keeping the tooth well-nourished. When you have a tooth infection, the bacteria damage the soft tissues in the root canal, causing severe complications like dental pain, abscesses, halitosis, and a foul taste in the mouth. Fortunately, tooth extraction is not the only treatment solution for such a tooth. You can consider saving your tooth through a root canal procedure.

What Is a Root Canal Procedure?

It is a dental procedure in endodontic dentistry that repairs damaged teeth to prevent tooth loss. Dentists at Monarch Dentistry save many natural teeth through root canal treatments. They entail treating the infected insides of teeth so that their structural framework remains intact.

How Is a Root Canal Procedure Performed?

​Dentists in Niagara Falls have performed root canal treatments severally in their careers. A root canal procedure involves the following steps:

1. Local anesthesia – the dentist will numb your mouth to ensure you are comfortable throughout your treatment. In some cases, dentists may recommend sedation dentistry to help overcome dental anxiety.
2. Drilling – your dentist will drill your tooth to create a hole that allows access to the inner layers.
3. Cleaning the canal – the dentist cleans the insides of your tooth to remove bacteria and all damaged tissues. (S)he will be keener to target the damaged soft tissues, including nerve endings, connective tissues, and blood vessels.
4. Reshaping and filling the tooth – the dentist will start reshaping the canal before filling it with a special material called gutta-percha. The material will help retain the compactness of the tooth, which preserves the structural integrity.
5. Dental filling and crowning – the final step of a root canal procedure entail placing a tooth feeling that will seal the truth to prevent future reentry of bacteria. A dentist may install a dental crown over the filled tooth, which protects its structure and optimizes functionality.

​What Happens After Root Canal?

​Once you leave the dental clinic near you, you will need a few days to heal from the endodontic procedure. The healing period lasts about a week or so, depending on how well you care for your mouth. Some of the side effects you may experience after a root canal procedure are:

1. Heightened tooth sensitivity
2. An uneven bite
3. Tenderness and discomfort
4. Swelling and dental pain

Will the Healing Happen Naturally?

After your root canal procedure, you will undergo a healing period that does not necessarily require the continued intervention of a dentist. Usually, it should not take too long before you can function with your treated tooth normally. The process should be smooth and effortless, especially if you are keen to follow the guidelines your dentist provides. Some tips to help you recover and heal effortlessly are:

1. Eat soft foods only – avoid exposing your teeth to too hard and tough-to-chew foods.
2. Keep your mouth clean – neglecting your dental hygiene after a root canal procedure will be the thing that reintroduces bacteria into your mouth. The last thing you want is reinfection before your tooth has even healed.
3. Chew away from the treated tooth – give your mouth ample time to heal on the affected side.

Must You Undergo a Root Canal Procedure?

If you have an infected tooth, it cannot heal without treatment. If anything, the longer you leave the tooth untreated, the more you get into a sticky situation. Some of the consequences of living with are diseased tooth untreated are:

1. Infection to adjacent teeth – one infected tooth can lead to multiple tooth decay.
2. Numbness and loss of function of the diseased tooth
3. Gum disease – the bacteria in your tooth can travel to your gums, causing periodontitis.
4. Bacteria spreads to other body parts, including the heart and brain. It may translate to severe complications like heart attacks and strokes.

Therefore, an infected tooth must always be treated. When you visit a dentist near you, a root canal procedure is not the only treatment they can recommend. Other treatment alternatives include dental fillings and tooth extractions. Dentists typically recommend root canal procedures to save natural teeth, which is a better alternative to removing the teeth. Therefore, the next time you have a toothache, do not overlook it hoping it will heal by itself.