Are There Any Potential Side-Effects Associated with a Root Canal?
Posted on: 25 April 2022
If your dentist has told you that you need a root canal and this is your first time, you may be quite concerned. Other people may have told you that this can be quite an involved procedure, but it is typically successful, and you can trust your dental professional. Still, you may want to know about some of the potential side effects so that you can be fully prepared for your appointment. What do you need to know?
Cleaning out the Canals
The inside of each tooth has a sticky substance known as "pulp." The pulp lives within tiny passages or canals, where the procedure gets its name, and it contains tiny nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue.
Unfortunately, this pulp can become infected when you get a significant cavity or take some time to deal with any other dental issues. When this happens, the infected tissue has to be removed and the inside of the tooth will have to be cleaned. This will stop the infection from spreading and allow you to keep the affected tooth.
Potential Discolouration
Once the pulp has been removed, and the area cleaned out, the tooth is no longer "alive" in conventional terms. Sometimes, what is left of the canals can start to show through the dentin, which is the protective outer casing. This may only happen on a few occasions, but the dentist may advise you to add a veneer or crown to strengthen that tooth and restore its appearance.
Small Risk of Reinfection
Reinfection is a risk in a very small percentage of cases, but the specialist will typically go through a number of additional steps to prevent this from happening. Certainly, the aim is to clean out and then disinfect the individual root canals before sealing the tooth from above and adding a filling.
On rare occasions, the seal may be ineffective or may erode. Alternatively, the permanent filling may also wear down, especially without the appropriate care. Should bacteria start to build up, you may notice some discomfort, and the dentist will need to clean the area again to restore normal function.
Expect a Good Outcome
When you put your trust in the hands of a dentist, you can usually expect a good outcome. Certainly, there are a few small potential risks, but everything will be perfectly fine in the vast majority of cases. Should you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask your dentist before the procedure begins.
Contact a local dentist for more info about root canals.
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