If you are experiencing tooth pain and a dental professional has told you that you need a root canal, it’s essential to understand what that procedure entails.
Having an infected tooth removed is never fun, but it’s often necessary to preserve the health of the rest of your teeth. One way to avoid extraction is to get a root canal procedure. Dentists recommend root canal treatments when the nerve of a tooth becomes infected. Although they have a reputation for being painful, root canals effectively relieve pain and save natural teeth.
This blog post will discuss what a dental root canal is and what you can expect after the procedure. We’ll also dispel some of the myths about the root canal procedure so that you can decide whether or not this treatment is right for you.
What Does Root Canal Treatment Involve?
Dental root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to save a tooth damaged by deep decay or infection. Root canal symptoms can include severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, and gum tenderness.
The goal of the treatment is to clean out the infected or damaged soft tissue, known as the pulp, and to seal the tooth so that it can continue to function normally.
The first step of root canal treatment is to numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue. Next, your dentist will drill a small hole into the tooth to remove the inflamed or infected pulp. After removing the pulp, they will clean and seal the tooth. In some cases, they may place a dental crown on top of the tooth to protect it from further damage.
Root canal treatment usually takes one or two visits to the dentist.
Who Can Perform the Necessary Treatment?
Dental root canal treatment, otherwise known as endodontic treatment, can be performed by either a dentist or an endodontist. Dentists are general practitioners who have received training in root canal procedures.
Endodontists are specialists who focus specifically on the dental pulp and the tissues surrounding the root of the tooth. They have undergone additional training beyond dental school and can perform more complex root canal procedures.
In most cases, either a dentist or an endodontist can successfully treat a tooth with minor damage. However, if the tooth is severely decayed or infected, it is best to see an endodontist for treatment.
Who Can Get Root Canal Treatment?
Anyone that suffers from severe tooth decay may need a root canal. In some cases, dentists recommend a root canal procedure to treat an abscess (a pus-filled pocket) formed at the end of a tooth’s root.
Having a root canal is often preferable to having the tooth extracted, as it allows you to keep your natural tooth and avoid having a space in your mouth. If you think you may need a root canal, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away.
Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?
Patients often dread dental root canal treatment due to its reputation for being painful. However, with modern dental technology, the procedure is quite comfortable. The first step is to numb the area around the affected tooth with local anesthesia. This ensures that you will feel no pain during the procedure.
The entire process usually takes less than an hour, and you should only experience minor discomfort afterwards. So if you are considering root canal treatment, there is no need to worry about pain.
What Can I Expect After Root Canal Treatment?
Dental root canal complications are rare, but it is normal to experience some tenderness and swelling in the days during root canal recovery. In most cases, over-the-counter pain relievers are enough to manage any discomfort.
However, if you’re still experiencing pain after a few days, it’s important to contact your dentist. Additionally, it’s important to avoid chewing on hard foods or biting down directly on the treated tooth for at least 24 hours. Doing so could damage the tooth or irritate the gums. Finally, brush and floss regularly to keep the area clean and prevent infection.
With proper care, teeth that have undergone root canal treatment can last for many years.
Summary
Root canal treatment is a standard dental procedure used to treat severely decayed or infected teeth. The procedure involves removing the damaged pulp, cleaning the tooth, and sealing it.
Root canal safety is important, and the procedure should only be performed by a qualified dental professional. After the treatment, you may experience some tenderness in the teeth and gums, but this is normal. Contact your dentist if you’re still experiencing pain after a few days.
It’s important to find a family dentist that you can trust.
Many people avoid going to the dentist because they’re scared of getting treatments or don’t have a good experience.
Boon Dental is different. We offer a family-friendly environment where we take the time to listen to your concerns and work with you every step of the way to create a treatment plan that works for you. Plus, we use state-of-the-art equipment so you can feel confident that you’re getting quality dental care, from root canal treatments to dental bonding.