What is a root canal and why do I need a root canal? If you have a painful toothache or your dentist detects a abscess or infection on a x-ray. Early detection on a dental x-ray can prevent a toothache. If you haven’t seen your dentist regularly or you refuse yearly dental x-rays you are putting yourself at a higher risk for a toothache.
Root canals have come a long way since their creation. Modern techniques have evolved into relatively comfortable treatment. For the patient it will seem like a long filling appointment. If you have dental anxiety speak with your dentist about sedation medication such as diazepam or nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or other methods offered to help with your dental anxiety .
Why do I need a root canal
The nerve or (pulp) needs to be removed because of deep dental decay, injury or trauma due to an accident or trauma from repeated dental procedures. Without treatment, the infection can cause severe pain and bone damage, and you may lose the tooth.
Root Canal step by step
Your dentist will use local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding tissue. Topical anesthetic will be used because this lessens the pinch of the tiny needle. After the tooth is numb your dentist will pace a dental dam, a sheet of rubber to isolate the tooth to keep it clean and dry during the procedure.
Next your dentist will use very small tools to access the inside of the tooth, much like just having a filling done. Making an opening in the top portion of the tooth. Using small files to remove the damaged nerve and irrigate with sterilizing agents to kill any bacteria. Depending on which tooth needs the root canal and your personal anatomy, there could be up to 5 canals to clean and seal.
Once the canals are cleaned and dried the dentist will seal the open canals. The canals are sealed with a rubber material called gutta-percha. The length of root canal procedure could depend on how many canals are in the tooth. The more canals or roots the longer the procedure will take but, usually not more than 2 hours.
After Root Canal
Your dentist may place a temporary filling and schedule you a few weeks out to have a permanent restoration placed. Root Canal teeth need a dental crown placed to protect the tooth from fracture. Root Canal procedure removes the blood supply to the tooth and making it more brittle. Sometimes your tooth may already have a crown or cap. Your dentist will determine if the existing crown is stable or needs replaced. If your existing crown doesn’t need replaced a filling can be done to fill in access opening.
Healing Time
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help with killing bacteria. Usually over the counter pain relievers are enough to take care of any soreness after your procedure. Minor discomfort should only last a few days.
A root canal can seem daunting but, it is not as bad as some stories you may have heard. The truth is that a root canal isn’t as painful as you might think and you get to keep your tooth.
