When people learn they need a root canal, they may feel nervous. Unfortunately, root canal procedures have a bad reputation that is primarily unfounded. Root canals save teeth from being lost. Learning about this procedure will help put minds at ease and allow people to pursue the treatment they need without so much stress.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure carried out in a dentist’s office. The patient receives numbing medication so they do not feel any discomfort during the procedure. A Root Canal Treatment allows the dentist to repair a tooth that is in danger of being lost.
What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?
Before the dentist begins working on the tooth, the patient receives a numbing medication. Once the patient’s mouth is numb, the dentist will create a small opening in the top of the tooth. This opening provides access to the tooth’s interior. The dentist will use special tools to remove the diseased pulp and inner tissues. Using canal files, the dentist will clean the inside of the roots. Cleaning the roots ensures no diseased tissue is left behind and there is no infection.
After cleaning the tooth, one of two things will happen. If the tooth is infected, the dentist will pack it with medication and have the patient take oral antibiotics until it clears. If there is no infection, the dentist will pack the tooth with a special material called gutta-percha.
Gutta-percha is a rubber-like material that closely mimics the way tooth pulp behaves. This material expands and contracts without causing cracks in the tooth.
Once the tooth is filled with gutta-percha, the dentist will seal it with a special sealant that hardens using a light. Once the material has hardened, the dentist may need to place a crown over the tooth, depending on its level of strength and current health.
Why Are Root Canals Done?
Root canals are carried out for different reasons. This procedure becomes necessary when someone suffers severe tooth decay, infection, or trauma. Oral bacteria will often invade the inner pulp of the tooth, leading to infections that compromise its viability. Without a root canal procedure, these teeth can be lost.
Does a Root Canal Cause Pain?
Many people are afraid of root canals because they do not want to have pain. It is necessary to realize these procedures cause no more discomfort than having a tooth filled. Individuals are under a local anesthetic throughout the treatment, and this numbing medication helps keep pain at bay right after the root canal. While people will experience some soreness, this is normal and, typically, is not severe.
Schedule a Root Canal Procedure
Although root canals have a poor reputation, they are necessary treatments that help prolong the life of a tooth and prevent its loss. The dentist will work to keep the patient’s smile intact by treating any teeth that may be compromised.
With a root canal, the diseased tooth tissue is removed, protecting the tooth from ongoing damage. These procedures are vital for protecting the health of a person’s smile.
