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A Safe and Effective Procedure
As the name indicates, this is the treatment of the canals in the roots, which house the vital living tissue. This dental procedure is a common solution for a tooth that has become severely infected or damaged. Despite its reputation for being painful, root canal treatment is a safe and effective procedure that can save your tooth and prevent further complications.
In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about root canal treatment, including what it is, how it's done, and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
So, What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from the inside of a tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes infected or damaged, it can cause severe pain and lead to further complications if left untreated.
During root canal treatment, the dentist will numb the affected area and create an opening in the tooth to access the pulp. They will then use specialized tools to remove the damaged pulp and clean the inside of the tooth. Once the pulp is removed, the dentist will fill the tooth with a special material and seal it with a dental filling or crown.
Why Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?
There are several reasons why you may need root canal treatment. The most common include:
- Deep decay or cavities
- Trauma to the tooth
- Cracks or chips in the tooth
- Dental procedures performed on the same tooth repeatedly
- Gum disease
Symptoms:
You may need a root canal if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe tooth pain
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
- Pus or drainage near the affected tooth
If left untreated, a damaged or infected tooth can lead to more severe complications, such as abscesses or tooth loss. Root canal treatment can help prevent these complications and save your tooth.
What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment typically involves two or more visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist will take x-rays to determine the extent of the damage to the tooth and numb the affected area with a local anaesthetic.
The Process
Once the area is numb, the dentist will cover this tooth with a rubber sheet and create an opening in the tooth to access the pulp. The rubber dam sheet is placed to avoid ingestion of materials and instruments. They will then use specialized tools to remove the damaged pulp and clean the inside of the tooth. This process may take a single session or multiple appointments, depending on the severity of the infection.
After the pulp is removed, the dentist will fill the tooth with a special material and seal it with a dental filling or crown. If the tooth is severely damaged, the dentist may also place a temporary filling or crown to protect it until the permanent restoration is placed.
What to Expect After Root Canal Treatment
After root canal treatment, you may experience some discomfort and sensitivity for a few days. You can manage this by taking over-the-counter pain medication and avoiding hard or crunchy foods. If the infection is severe and is not controlled by the clean and irrigation, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics. One should avoid chewing on the affected tooth until the permanent restoration is placed.
It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene after root canal treatment to prevent further complications. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
Safe and Effective Procedure
Root canal treatment is a safe and effective procedure that can save your tooth and prevent further complications. If you are experiencing severe tooth pain or other symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. They can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the best course of treatment.
Contact Us
At our dental practice, we regularly provide root canal treatment for the indicated teeth and use the latest techniques and technologies to ensure your comfort and satisfaction. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help.