One of the least enjoyable types of dental procedures is the root canal. However, for many people, this is largely due to walking in without properly understanding what is happening. By understanding how a root canal is performed, you can relax and know that the treatment is a safe and effective method of preventing gum and tooth decay.
Here, we will go over the various steps of a root canal so you can walk into the dentist with complete confidence in your decision.
Pre-Treatment
Before going to have the procedure performed, you’ll want to make sure you have all insurance information with you. Once there, you’ll go over your x-ray scans before your dentist performs a visual inspection regarding the tooth and its surrounding area.
You will then be given a localized anesthetic to numb the area, as is the case in most dental procedures. This numbing will take place almost immediately, and while you may feel pressure, you shouldn’t feel any pain throughout the experience.
Finally, they will place a dental dam (a small rubber sheet) over the tooth to isolate and protect it, keeping it dry while everything is taking place.
During the Treatment
While the root canal procedure is taking place, the dentist will use a specifically designed drill to create an opening at the top of the tooth. From there, the dentist will remove the “tooth pulp” (the inside of the tooth) from the tooth before cleaning and widening.
Once this is done, the area will be dried and given an antimicrobial medication to treat or prevent an ongoing infection. If the infection is severe, the tooth may be made to drain for a day or two.
Once any drainage has happened, the tooth is given a material to prevent future infections as well as either a temporary or permanent filling.
If everything is alright, this process should be no more than 90 minutes.
After Treatment
Finally, once the procedure is finished, be sure to check on the tooth to make sure there aren’t any issues. You’ll want to avoid heavy chewing or biting down hard on anything, at least for a few days.
You’ll also want to perform a follow-up appointment. There, any temporary fillings will be replaced by permanent ones while you’ll also be able to report any news since the procedure.
Once you have given it some time, and the tooth has managed to heal, you will be able to live life normally without any restrictions. Be sure to brush and floss twice a day and to regularly have your teeth cleaned and examined.
If you are in the Texas area, the Endo center, at txendocenter.com, has incredible dential technicians that are highly skilled in their profession and can greatly assist in having a successful root canal procedure.… Read the rest
