Dental procedures known as root canals are performed to remove the infected or inflamed pulp at the center of your tooth. The pulp has nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue helping the tooth to grow. If you are recommended root canal therapy, the procedure is performed by a root canal dentist, also known as endodontic specialists.
Root canal procedures are standard and help preserve millions of teeth. If you fear root canal treatment, learn more about this standard procedure feared by many but practical to protect your natural tooth.
Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the soft center of your tooth the pulp becomes inflamed or infected or suffers injuries. The infection or inflammation kills the pulp within your tooth but does not affect the crown, which remains intact. The best way to preserve the structure of the infected tooth is to remove the pulp from within.
The pulp within your tooth may have been damaged due to many reasons. Some of them are the following:
You will experience symptoms like pain in your tooth and swelling if you have damaged pulp. You may also experience sensitivity to heat and cold in your gums. The root canal dentist examines the painful tooth taking x-rays to confirm the diagnosis. You are only recommended root canal treatment if the dentist thinks preservation of your tooth is possible with this therapy.
Root canals are performed in dental offices. When you arrive for the procedure, you are escorted to the treatment room, and a bib is placed around your neck as protection for your clothes from stains.
The endodontic specialists apply some topical numbing medication to your gums nearby the affected tooth. After the numbing medication works, local anesthesia is injected to numb the entire area around the tooth. You remain awake during the treatment, but the anesthesia ensures you feel some pressure but no pain.
After your tooth is entirely numb, the root canal dentist makes a tiny opening in the crown of your tooth. After exposing the damaged and infected pulp, the specialist uses special instruments to remove it carefully. They will pay special attention to clean the pathways or canals in your tooth.
A topical antibiotic is coated to the tooth after removing the pulp to ensure the infection is eliminated and prevent reinfection. After cleaning and disinfecting the tooth, the dentist fills and seals it with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Oral antibiotics are also prescribed if necessary.
The dentist ends the procedure by filling the tiny opening on the crown of the tooth with a temporary material. The sealant prevents the canals from damage by saliva.
You will experience soreness in your gums and tooth as the anesthesia wears off. Swelling in your gums is also common. Root canals in Brampton, ON, recommend over-the-counter pain medications for relief from the discomfort that you experience. If you cannot manage the pain by yourself, you must call the dentist for advice.
The day after the procedure, you can begin your everyday routine. However, it will help to remember you must not chew with the damaged tooth before having it permanently filled or having a crown placed on top of the tooth.
You must visit Rosedale dental Center about a week after the procedure to have the permanent filling or a dental crown. The dentist at this facility will take x-rays to ensure the infection is eradicated. At this appointment, you can have the temporary filling removed, and a permanent filling placed. If you prefer restoring your tooth to its realistic appearance, you can request dental crown placement from the dentist. Dental crowns are fake teeth made from porcelain or bold and have a natural appearance.
You will need several weeks to become accustomed to how the tooth feels after the treatment. The feeling is normal and shouldn’t cause any concern in your mind.
As can be seen, root canals, despite their fearsome reputation, are nothing to fear about. You can undergo the procedure painlessly from endodontic specialists who are experts at pain management. They can relieve you from the pain you experience and help to preserve your natural tooth for a lifetime.