A root canal is a routine dental procedure that can salvage a very decayed or infected tooth. Most people get nervous when they hear the term, but with newer technologies, the process is less painful than ever, and even the root canal treatment recovery time varies from person to person. Most patients experience mild discomfort for a few days, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Why Do You Need a Root Canal?
A root canal becomes necessary if the pulp of the tooth becomes inflamed or infected as a result of extensive decay, a history of multiple dental treatments, or trauma. Without it, infection spreads to result in toothache and, worst still, the loss of a tooth. The primary purpose of the treatment is to kill and remove the affected pulp, disinfest the interior of the tooth, and seal the tooth to check the progress of future damage.
Step-by-Step Process of a Root Canal Treatment
1. Consultation and Diagnosis
The first step is to visit a dental clinic near you. Your dentist will begin by checking your tooth with X-rays to determine the severity of the damage. If a root canal is necessary, they will explain the procedure and address any concerns you might have.
2. Administering Anesthesia
So that you will be comfortable, the dentist will anesthetize the region around the infected tooth using local anesthesia. You might feel a minor pinch with the injection, but the process itself will be painless.
3. Extracting the Infected Pulp
Once the tooth is anesthetized, the dentist will make a small incision in the crown of the tooth. With special instruments, they will remove the infected pulp and disinfect the inner chamber and root canals.
4. Disinfecting and Shaping the Canals
The dentist will disinfect and shape the canals after the pulp has been removed in order to prepare them for filling. This ensures that there are no bacteria left within the tooth.
5. Sealing the Tooth
After cleaning and drying out the canals, they are filled with gutta-percha, a biocompatible substance. The access hole in the tooth is finally sealed with either a temporary or a permanent filling.
6. Placing a Dental Crown (If Needed)
A crown to strengthen and support the tooth’s function is often needed in most cases. The dentist will make impressions and place a temporary crown until the actual permanent one can be fitted.
Benefits Of A Root Canal Treatment
Root canals are feared by most people, yet there are several advantages of the procedure, such as:
- Pain Relief: Root canal treatment removes the infection and future pain. After the inflamed pulp is extracted, patients find immediate relief from constant toothaches, which makes eating and drinking more tolerable.
- Tooth Preservation: Contrary to tooth extraction, which takes out the whole tooth, a root canal procedure enables you to retain your natural tooth. Retaining your natural teeth keeps chewing function proper and prevents neighboring teeth from moving, causing bite issues and misalignment.
- Prevention of Additional Infection: By cleaning the tooth thoroughly and sealing it, a root canal prevents bacteria from traveling to other teeth or even into the blood. This ensures your overall oral and systemic health is protected and less likely to develop additional dental problems.
- Better Oral Health: A successful root canal procedure brings back the health of your tooth, ensuring overall dental cleanliness. By preserving your natural tooth, you minimize the risk of requiring more complicated dental procedures in the future, like bridges or implants, which are more expensive and time-consuming.
- Aesthetic and Functional Advantages: Following a root canal, a dental crown is usually fitted over the treated tooth to restore its look and strength. This implies that you can still enjoy a natural smile while also maintaining proper functionality for chewing and speaking.
Finding a Reliable Dentist in Millwoods
At Millwoods Dental Choice, we prioritize patient comfort and use advanced technology to make the procedure as smooth as possible. Our team of dentists in Millwoods is dedicated to providing high-quality dental care, ensuring a quick recovery and long-lasting results.
If you are looking for a root canal treatment, contact us today to schedule an appointment.