Root Canal Therapy 101: Everything You Need to Know
Our natural teeth have two layers—enamel and dentine (gives the teeth its color). The dentine further contains a chamber called the pulp that houses nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. This pulp cavity or chamber extends from the tip to the crown of the teeth.
The pulp nourishes the teeth when they are in the development stage. However, as the teeth attain maturity, they are nourished by the surrounding tissues. Although it loses its function when the development is done, a pulp is still vital, and any infection can cause severe pain.
The pulp can get an infection due to tooth decay, trauma, or repeated dental procedures. Once it is infected, it causes severe pain when chewing, lingering sensitivity, swollen and tender gums. Having a root canal treatment can help remove the infected pulp, alleviate the pain, and preserve the teeth.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
The tooth canal procedure removes the infected pulp and reshaping the teeth. Since the pulp is removed, the teeth will be dead and brittle, and you will need a dental crown to restores the strength and function of the teeth.
Can I get the One-visit Root Canal?
The dentist can perform the root canal treatment in one or two dental visits depending on the severity. Our root canal specialist can, however, perform the procedure on the same dental visit. Using a high-tech rotary system, the dentist will clean out your pulp in a painless procedure.
The root canal therapy is done in several steps:
- Dental examination. Your teeth are examined, and the extent of decay established. If the teeth are severely decayed, then a tooth extraction may be the ideal treatment.
- Anesthesia is applied to numb the gums, and a dental dam or sheet is placed on the affected teeth to isolate it from the rest. Plus, it keeps the teeth dry and free of saliva.
- Using the high tech system, our root canal dentist will clean the cavity and get rid of any debris. The chamber is reshaped to prepare it for the dental filling.
- The cavity is filled with a biocompatible rubber material to seal the canals
- A temporary dental filling is placed to protect the teeth. The permeant dental crowns will be made, and once they are ready, you can come for fixing.
Is the Root Canal Procedure Painful?
Root canal treatment is not painful as local anesthesia is used. If you suffer from severe gag reflex or have dental phobia, then our root canal specialist will use sedation to relax and make the procedure bearable. Several sedation dentistry options are available, and the dentist will choose a suitable one based on the severity of the gag reflex and dental phobia.
You should, however, expect discomfort and sensitivity after the procedure, but should clear up in a few days.
Is it True Teeth Darken After the Root Canal Treatment?
Yes, at times, the gums and teeth may develop spots because of internal bleeding. Fortunately, we have teeth whitening treatment that can help remove the stains.
What Happens If You Ignore the Root Canal Treatment?
The root canal infection will spread to the surrounding tissues. Furthermore, an abscess may form and further exacerbate the problem. The infection can also get to the bloodstream and cause widespread inflammation.
Not to mention, if the infection advanced, it can cause deterioration of the teeth and lead to extraction. Teeth removal is not as easy or fancy as some people may presume to be. Once the teeth are removed, they don’t grow back, meaning you will depend on the orthodontic treatment to replace your teeth and maintain proper dental appearance.
Any Special Dental Instructions?
Yes. After the treatment, avoid eating spicy, chewy, and hard foods to avoid injuring the gums. Also, avoid smoking and alcohol because they impair the healing process. Use pain relievers as prescribed by the dentist to relieve pain.
Take Action!
If you have pain when chewing, lingering sensitivity, swollen and tender gums, you may have root canal infection. Visit Strickland Family Dentistry Sarasota, FL, for a fast and effective root canal therapy.