Root Canal: Having a Close Look at The Procedure
You might need a root canal treatment if you are experiencing a severe toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold food, or have a discolored tooth. This treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent tooth extraction. Let’s have a close look at this excellent treatment, the complete procedure, the possible side effects and who should stay away from it in OKC.
Observing the Definition of Root Canal
A root canal is a dental procedure that medical professionals perform to remove the infected or damaged pulp from the inside of a tooth. The pulp is soft tissue that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes infected or damaged due to decay, trauma, or a cracked tooth, it can cause severe pain, swelling, and infection. The treatment removes the infected pulp and fills the hollow with gutta-percha. This treatment is performed under local anesthesia and completes in one or two visits to the dentist.
The Complete Procedure of Root Canal
The root canal treatment steps include the following.
X-ray: The dentist will take an X-ray to determine the extent of the damage to the tooth.
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia helps to numb the tooth and surrounding area.
Access: The dentist will create a small opening in the tooth to access the pulp.
Cleaning: Experienced dentists use small instruments to clean the infected pulp and shape the root canal.
Filling: The dentist will fill the root canal with gutta-percha, a rubber-like material that seals the canal.
Temporary Filling: A temporary filling will be placed on top of the gutta-percha to seal the tooth until the use of a permanent restoration.
Permanent Restoration: A permanent restoration, such as a crown, will be placed on top of the tooth to protect and restore its function.
The Possible Side Effects of Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is generally a safe and effective procedure. However, like any medical procedure, there are some possible side effects, including:
Pain: You may experience pain and discomfort after the procedure, but you can manage this with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Infection: In rare cases, the treated tooth can become infected again, which may require retreatment or extraction.
Damage to surrounding teeth: The instruments used during the procedure can sometimes damage the surrounding teeth.
Nerve damage: There is a small risk of nerve damage during the procedure, which can cause numbness or tingling in the affected area.
The chances of most of these side effects are almost non-existent.
Who Should Stay Away from Root Canal?
While root canal treatment is a safe and effective procedure for most people, there are some situations where it may not be best to go for a root canal. For example:
Severe decay or damage: If the tooth is severely decayed or damaged, it may not be possible to save it with root canal treatment.
Infection: If the infection spreads to the surrounding bone or gum tissue, root canal treatment may not be effective.
Compromised immune system: Root canal treatment may not be suitable if you have a compromised immune system due to a medical condition or medication.
Pregnancy: Although root canal treatment is generally safe during pregnancy, some dentists may recommend waiting until after delivery to perform the procedure.
About Comprehensive Family Dentistry
Are you suffering from a toothache? You must visit an experienced dentist for root canal in OKC. Comprehensive Family Dentistry in OKC offers a wide range of dental services, including root canal treatment. Our experienced and friendly team is committed to providing the highest quality dental treatments. So, call us now and book your appointment with the finest dentists in the country.
Disclaimer: This content is not professional dental or medical advice and does not imply a relationship between the patient, care provider, or doctors.