When your dentist says you need a root canal, panic is probably the first emotion you feel. The thought of drilling and pain comes to mind. Often, the more you know about a procedure, and the more you understand it, the less frightening it becomes. Just knowing the basics of root canals can help you prepare and feel more confident when you’re walking into your appointment.
What Is A Root Canal?
Let’s start with the basics. A root canal is a treatment for the inside of your tooth. It’s a way to save your tooth once it is infected. The goal is to take out the affected part of your tooth and replace it with a filler.
The causes of root canals are decay, multiple dental procedures, or any injury to the tooth. When you go in for your appointment, it’s important to know that a root canal is about the same discomfort as a regular filling, and in some cases, it’s even less.
The biggest battle you’re going to have is getting yourself into the dentist’s chair. The pain from the infection and inflammation is so much worse than the actual procedure. It’s well worth getting it taken care of. If you don’t, the root canal will worsen and eventually devolve into a very painful abscess.
Symptoms
There are a few key symptoms that you need a root canal. The first is severe pain while you’re chewing, biting, or doing anything else. If a root canal is required, the pain will never really go away. It will always be present in some form.
Other symptoms include pimples developing on your gums, swollen or sensitive gums, darkening gums, deep decay, severe sensitivity to hot or cold, and having a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth.
What Happens During The Procedure?
The dentist will first take x-rays and apply a local anesthetic, so your tooth is numb for the procedure. Once you can no longer feel your tooth, the dentist will open the top of your tooth and clean out the affected area. They will do this by removing the infected pulp. The pulp is the center of the tooth that has blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.
Once the dentist clears out your pulp, the dentist will form the canals in your tooth to make room for the filling. A rubber-like material will fill the tooth to replace the removed pulp. Finally, the dentist will use adhesive cement to seal the root canal. Most of the time, a temporary filling will be used until a permanent crown is attached. Root canals aren’t so intimidating when you see it all written out like this!
Post-Procedure
Pain, sensitivity, swelling, and inflammation are common for a few days after a root canal. You can subside the pain with over-the-counter medication, and the dentist may prescribe an antibiotic if needed for the infected tooth.
Until your tooth restoration is complete, your tooth will not have full function. You shouldn’t chew or bite on it until you have it restored. Biting or chewing can cause the tooth to fracture. Don’t let all of the time, money, and discomfort go to waste by fracturing your tooth.
Then, the dentist will replace the temporary filling with a dental crown or another type of restoration. It may also include a post if there isn’t enough tooth left to support the crown. After this is complete, your tooth can now function and thrive like any other tooth. Your dentist will be able to provide more information about your specific restoration process.
Dentist In Boynton Beach, Florida
After your procedure is complete, all you have to do is practice good oral hygiene and see your dentist for your cleanings. If you are in need of a root canal, or you’re looking to avoid one, call Eriks Dental Group at 561-733-4004 to schedule an appointment. We specialize in root canals and many other dental procedures.