What You Need to Know About Root Canal Treatment
Blog What You Need to Know About Root Canal Treatment
People often fear root canal treatment, but it is sometimes a necessary procedure. It is one of the most common dental procedures in the United States. Over 15 million root canals are done each year! If you are experiencing pain in your tooth, you will likely need a root canal. This blog post will discuss what root canal treatment is and what you can expect during and after your procedure.
What is a root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment (endodontic therapy) is a dental procedure that involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp from within a tooth. The dentist creates an opening in the tooth and removes the pulp, which may be diseased or damaged. A root canal filling is placed to seal the tooth and prevent further infection. The damaged or infected tissue can be replaced with a filler material, such as gutta-percha, or left empty. A dental crown is necessary to protect the weakened tooth and restore its natural shape and appearance. The success rate of root canal treatment is generally very high, and the treated tooth can last a lifetime with proper care.
What can you expect during root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment usually consists of three or four appointments. During the first appointment, your dentist will take X-rays to determine the shape and size of your tooth's root canals. Then, they will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth before they begin drilling into it to access the inside of the tooth.
Once the inside of the tooth is accessed, your dentist will use specialized tools to clean out any decay or infection and shape the root canals to prepare them for filling. Then, they'll fill the trenches with a rubbery material called gutta percha and seal them off with cement. Finally, your dentist may place a crown or other restoration to protect the tooth and restore its strength and function.
What did you do after a root canal procedure?
Root canal procedures can be mildly uncomfortable, but the discomfort should go away within a few days. After the process is complete, practice proper dental hygiene by brushing and flossing at least twice daily and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups. You may also need to have regular x-rays taken to ensure that the tooth is healing properly.
Your dentist may suggest that you have a dental crown placed on the tooth to protect it from further damage and decay. Additionally, some dentists recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever or prescription medication to help manage any post-procedure discomfort. Finally, avoiding chewing or biting on the tooth is essential until the area has healed completely.
Warning Signs You Need a Root Canal?
1. Severe and persistent toothache:
A severe and ongoing toothache can signify that you need root canal treatment. This pain may come in the form of sharp or throbbing sensations and sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
2. Swelling:
If you notice swelling around your tooth, this could be a sign of an infection and could require root canal treatment.
3. Discoloration:
You may notice your tooth's discolored or darker. That can be a sign that the tooth's inner pulp is infected and needs to be treated with root canal therapy.
4. Tenderness:
If your tooth is tender to the touch, this can be a sign that it needs root canal treatment. This pain may also be accompanied by sensitivity to temperature changes and pressure.
5. Pus:
If you see pus from the affected tooth, this could mean an infection is present, and root canal therapy may be necessary to treat it.
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your dentist immediately for an evaluation to determine if a root canal is needed. It's important to treat tooth infections as soon as possible before they become more severe and cause further damage to the affected tooth.
How Champion Dentistry Can Help You
At The House of Smiles, you get treatment from a team that practices using the leading techniques in dental care. Our experts have been trained at Champion Dentistry and will provide patients with high-quality services to ensure they live their best lives! Our team is moving closer and closer to its goal of improving the overall health of this community. We offer a variety of services that will help improve your oral health. Our team is ready to provide the best possible care for our patients. We understand that dental care can be expensive, so we offer various financing options to make it more affordable. We also accept most dental insurance plans. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!