What To Expect During A Root Canal
If your dentist has informed you that you require a root canal, chances are you probably have a few questions about the procedure. Despite the fact that modern dentistry has rendered root canals completely painless, knowledge is power and it can help to provide peace of mind when you know what to expect. In this blog post we outline what a root canal is and why you would need one. We also discuss the restorative capability of a root canal and the process itself.
What Exactly is a Root Canal?
A root canal is often a patient’s last chance to save a tooth from extraction. A root canal is needed when the pulp in the centre of a tooth becomes infected. Infection usually occurs in this area following trauma or lack of oral hygiene leading to tooth decay. A root canal is used to extract rotting tissue from the centre of a tooth and restore the tooth to good health.
Why Would I Need a Root Canal?
Patients who need a root canal have probably been suffering from swollen gums, increased tooth sensitivity and severe pain when chewing for some time. If you have been experiencing these symptoms for a while then you may have developed an abscess. In severe circumstances, bleeding and pus discharge from your gums may be present. If any of the above symptoms are present in your mouth, it’s best to call your local dentist to schedule a consultation and root canal treatment.
How Does A Root Canal Restore My Tooth?
As mentioned above, a root canal involves a dentist using specialist tools to access the tooth’s root chamber and clean out all the infection and decay. This restores the tooth to good health. The hole in the tooth is then sealed with a crown to prevent infection from recurring.
What Does Root Canal Treatment Involve?
A step-by-step overview of a root canal treatment includes:
- Numbing the tooth completely with local anesthesia.
- Drilling a small hole through the tooth into the root chamber, exposing its canals.
- Using a series of files to clean out all infection, then smooth and reshape the canals.
- Filling and sealing the canals with a biocompatible material.
- Placing a temporary filling or crown to protect the tooth for the short-term.
- The patient returning to their local dentist after a few days have passed to receive a customized crown on the treated tooth.
Post-Treatment Care
After the procedure has been completed, patients will usually feel some mild discomfort in the area which was operated on. Any lingering pain can easily be treated with over-the-counter painkillers. The tooth may be sensitive for a few days after treatment, so try to avoid chewing directly on it. Avoid smoking and chewy or sticky foods for a few days after your root canal treatment too.
Book an Appointment at Big Smiles Dental Today
Treating issues related to tooth infection is absolutely essential for oral health. If you have any questions about root canal treatments or if you are due for a general check-up please don’t hesitate to book an appointment at Big Smiles Dental today.