Root canals are safe procedures meant to ensure that your natural tooth is not extracted while eliminating painful infections. Comparable to a routine cavity filling causing minimal pain, a root canal treatment is an extremely effective procedure usually completed in two dentist appointments. People typically need a root canal when their tooth is decaying and needs to be repaired so that the tooth can be saved.
A root canal treatment can eliminate a bacterial infection in your tooth’s root canal, leaving a healthy tooth that is free of pain. A dentist that specializes in root canals is called an endodontist. They help secure the tooth by removing the pulp and any other bacteria and or related debris.
Some signs that you may need a root canal treatment:
- Heightened tooth sensitivity, particularly to cold or hot liquids and food
- Experiencing severe pain when biting and chewing food
- Your gums are swollen or tender
- You have deeply embedded tooth decay
- Inflammation and infections in the root of your tooth
- Puss pocket enlargements caused by the infection causing swelling in your face
How Will My Dentist Perform My Root Canal?
We perform root canal treatments in our dental office. It is a simple outpatient procedure. We will require you to make two appointments to complete your root canal procedure. At your appointment, you can expect the following on your tooth:
- We administer your local anesthetics to ensure your gums and tooth roots are numb.
- We make an access hole in the tooth that houses the deep bacterial infection for access to the infected area.
- Once inside your infected tooth, we will remove the soft tissue hidden behind your white enamel. We will remove this soft tissue, also known as the pulp, and the damaged tooth roots.
- The inside of your tooth will then be cleaned and disinfected with an antiseptic rinse during the root canal treatment.
- Then, we will fill it with a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha. This substance will act as a temporary seal on your tooth.
- We will take dental impressions of your tooth and create a mold to send to our dental lab after your root canal treatment.
- From the mold impression, our dental lab will construct a crown for your tooth.
Your second root canal treatment appointment will be booked for about a week from your first appointment to allow the lab time to create your crown. At your second appointment with us, we will complete the procedure by setting and bonding your new permanent crown to your tooth.
What is the Aftercare Treatment?
After your root canal treatment is complete, we will prescribe you antibiotics. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication to manage any soreness from the procedure if you require it. We will provide you with a list of instructions, such as to avoid smoking. By the time your second appointment arrives, your mouth will feel back to normal and ready to receive its new crown.