The reputation of root canal treatment has changed. The procedure is no longer frightening because dental advancements have transformed the way people experience root canals. An estimated 25 million root canals a year are performed worldwide on people just like you.
Root canals are safe procedures meant to eliminate painful infections while ensuring that your natural tooth isn’t extracted. The modern root canal is similar to having a cavity filled. The process causes minimal pain, yet is extremely effective. A root canal procedure is usually completed in two dentist appointments.
What Does a Root Canal Do?
A root canal treatment serves the purpose of preserving your natural tooth instead of extracting it. The function is to:
- eliminate the bacterial infection from your tooth’s root canal
- clean and sterilize the inside of your tooth
- aid in preventing bacterial reinfections of your tooth
Why Do I Need One?
A dental assessment will determine if you need a root canal treatment. We ensure that your root canal experience will be as comfortable as possible, and we strive to answer any questions you may have.
A root canal is an effective procedure that will relieve dental pain. There are a few reasons you may require a root canal, such as:
- injuries to your tooth that caused cracks in it
- inherited genetic reasons
Some of the signs that you may need a root canal treatment include:
- heightened tooth sensitivity, particularly to cold or hot liquids and food
- experiencing severe pain when biting and chewing food
- your gums are swollen or tender
- you have deeply embedded tooth decay
- inflammation and infections in the root of your tooth
- pus pocket enlargements caused by the infection that causes swelling in your face
How Will My Dentist Perform My Root Canal?
We perform root canal treatments in our dental office. It is a simple outpatient procedure. We will require you to make two appointments to complete your root canal treatment.
At your appointment, you can expect the following to be done on your tooth:
- We administer your local anesthetics to ensure your gums and tooth roots are numb.
- We make an access hole in the tooth that houses the deep bacterial infection for access to the infected area.
- Once inside your infected tooth, we will remove the soft tissue hidden behind your white enamel. We will remove this soft tissue, also known as the pulp, and the damaged tooth roots.
- The inside of your tooth will then be cleaned and disinfected with an antiseptic rinse.
- Then, we will fill it with a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha. This substance will act as a temporary seal on your tooth.
- We will take dental impressions of your tooth and create a mold to send to our dental lab.
- From the mold impression, our dental lab will construct a crown for your tooth.
Your second appointment will be booked a week from your first appointment to allow the lab time to create your crown. At your second appointment with us, we will complete the root canal treatment procedure by setting and bonding your new permanent crown to your tooth.
What is the Aftercare of my Root Canal?
After your root canal treatment is complete, we will prescribe you antibiotics. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication to manage any soreness from the procedure if you require it. We will provide you with a list of instructions to follow between your appointments. By the time your second appointment arrives, your mouth will feel back to normal and your tooth will be ready for the new dental crown.