If you’ve been informed by your dentist near you that you need a root canal and you’re wondering what it is, look no further. Here we’ll explain to you what exactly a root canal is, what to expect during the procedure, and after the procedure. This way you’ll be ready to seek root canal treatment in Dryden in no time, so stay tuned.
First, we have to talk about the parts of the tooth. Inside the tooth, there is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp is located under the enamel and the dentin, which are the white part of the tooth and the hard layer underneath respectively. The pulp contains multiple structures like nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. These structures are responsible for the formation of the surrounding hard tissues in the tooth. However, once the tooth has fully grown and matured the root is no longer necessary for its survival. Also, the pulp can get infected or inflamed due to multiple causes. Among the most frequent are tooth decay, damage to the tooth, trauma, recent dental procedures, and large fillings. When this happens, your local dentist in Dryden can perform a root canal to extract the infected pulp and save the tooth
Some symptoms become evident when a tooth needs a root canal. Pay special attention if you’re having pain while eating or after putting pressure on the area, darkening of the tooth, temperature sensitivity, and swelling in the gums. This could mean you might need to visit a dentist near you to have a root canal. The procedure itself requires multiple steps but it should be able to fix the problem with a high success rate. Here are some of the steps you can expect when having a root canal done.
The first step involves a thorough inspection of the damage. Your dentist in Dryden will probably order you an X-ray to confirm the extent of the infection. After this is determined, they will get to work right away on your teeth. To properly start, they need to numb the area using a local anesthetic, which will prevent pain during the procedure and ensure comfort. After this, your dentist will use a drill to access the infected pulp and use special types of tools to remove it. After the pulp is gone, they will fill the space in the tooth. In order to do this, they can sometimes use temporary fillings until they can place a customized crown over the access hole to close it up. For the finishing touches, crowns or other restorative procedures can be used to finalize the process.
Many patients explain that having a root canal done is really not that bad. In fact, they argue it is not worse than having a cavity filled. However, there is a chance you might experience some dental pain after the procedure is finished. Another symptom you might have to deal with after having a root canal performed is tooth sensitivity. The best thing you can do after getting the procedure is always to follow your dentist’s oral care instructions carefully. If the sensitivity is too much for you, getting a toothbrush with soft bristles, and using products designed for sensitive teeth might be useful. Remember, if there is anything else you’d like to discuss with your dentist about the implications of a root canal, then don’t be shy and ask questions. Don’t forget to be mindful of your oral health and how to maintain it for the years to come. After all, we all strive for a beautiful healthy smile.