A Detailed Guide on Root Canal Process
A root canal is a process in which the tooth soft center i.e. the pulp is eliminated. Connective tissue, blood arteries and nerves make the pulp, which helps the tooth grow.
A root canal is usually performed while you are under local anesthetic by a regular dentist or endodontist.
When do you need a root canal?
When the soft internal component of a tooth, called pulp, is wounded, infected or inflamed a root canal is performed.
Even if the pulp is dead, the tooth crown i.e. the visible area above the gums can stay intact. The greatest technique to keep a tooth's structure is to remove infected or injured pulp.
Deep decay due to an cavity untreated
Several dental operations on the same tooth
A crack or chip in the tooth
A tooth injury (you might harm a tooth if you get smacked in the mouth; the pulp can be affected even if the injury does not crack the tooth) are all common causes of pulp damage.
The most frequent symptoms of injured pulp include tooth discomfort, swelling, and a burning feeling in the gums. To confirm the diagnosis, the dentist will test the tender tooth and do X-rays. If your dentist believes you need a root canal, he or she may send you to an endodontist.
Root canal procedure
In a dental practice, a root canal is performed. When you arrive for your appointment, a technician will lead you to a treatment room, assist you in settling into a chair, and drape a bib around your neck to protect your clothing from stains.
Anesthesia
A little numbing medicine amount will be applied by a doctor to your gum near the damaged tooth. A local anesthetic will be injected into your gums once it has taken effect. It's possible that you'll feel a strong pinch or a burning sensation, but it'll go away fast. You'll be awake throughout the surgery, but the anesthesia will not let you feel pain.
Pulp removal
The dentist will do a small incision in the crown of your tooth while it is numb. The specialist will carefully remove the damaged pulp using special tools known as files once it has been exposed. They'll take extra care to clean up all of your tooth's channels (canals).
Antibiotics
The dentist may do topical antibiotic application to the area after removing the pulp to make sure that the infection is eliminated and to prevent reinfection. The dentist will fill and close the tooth using a sealant and a rubber-kind material after the canals have been cleansed and sterilized. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed.
Filling
The dentist will then use a soft, temporary substance to fill the little opening atop the tooth. This helps to protect the canals from saliva damage.
After your root canal, make an appointment for a follow-up.
When the numbing medication wears off, your teeth and gums may feel sore. It's also possible that your gums will swell. Most dentists will prescribe over-the-counter pain relievers such acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen to alleviate these symptoms (Advil). If the discomfort becomes unbearable or persists for longer than a few days, contact your dentist.
The day after the surgery, you should be able to resume your normal routine. Avoid chewing on the injured tooth until it has been properly filled or a crown has been set on top of it.
Within a few days of the root canal, you'll see your normal dentist. They'll use X-rays to check sure there's no infection. They'll also use a permanent filling to replace the temporary one.
The dentist may install a permanent crown on the tooth if you choose. Crowns are tooth-like prosthetics made of porcelain or gold. The lifelike appearance of a crown is one of its advantages.
It could take a few weeks for you to adjust to how your tooth feels following the surgery. This is quite normal and nothing to be concerned about.
A root canal is a type of restorative dentistry. The majority of patients who get the surgery can benefit from the excellent outcomes for the rest of the lifetime. However, how long the benefits persist is determined on how you care for your teeth. For the same see us at Comprehensive Family Dentistry in OKC.
**Disclaimer: This content is not a professional dental or medical advice and does not imply a relationship between patient and care provider or the doctors.