There is a misguided perception of dental procedures, especially when it comes to root canal treatment. You may think this procedure is painful or scary which makes you anxious. However, this is not true. If you are scheduled for a root canal procedure, an experienced dentist will help ease your anxiety and keep you comfortable.
Thanks to Easton dentist, and their team who offer a comprehensive approach to pulp infection through root canal treatment.
What is a root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure that helps alleviate painful symptoms caused by an infected, inflamed, or abscessed tooth pulp. The pulp is the innermost part of your tooth, containing blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. It helps in tooth development by providing essential nutrition, and blood supply.
The procedure involves the removal of the inflamed pulp, and cleaning and preparing the root canals to receive a biocompatible filling material (gutta percha) that seals the space.
What are the signs that indicate the need for a root canal treatment?
You may experience certain alarming symptoms that increase your necessity for a root canal treatment. These include:
- Chronic tooth pain that may radiate to your jaw, face, and other teeth
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures that may linger for more than a few seconds
- A pus-discharging abscess near the affected tooth
- Swollen, discolored, and inflamed gums
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Tooth discoloration due to prolonged pulpal infection
- A loose tooth
What does a root canal procedure involve?
During your first visit your dentist will evaluate the affected tooth through dental X-rays to assess the extent of the infection and study the root morphology.
The procedure is as follows:
- Your dentist will administer local anesthesia (a numbing agent) to ease your pain.
- A rubber dam will be used to isolate the affected tooth for moisture control.
- A small opening will be made in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp (access opening).
- Tiny dental instruments are used to extract the inflamed pulp from the root canal.
- The pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned, disinfected, and shaped.
- The empty canals are filled with a flexible dental material called gutta-percha
- A temporary filling will be placed to seal the tooth
- Once your tooth heals, your dentist will provide a custom-made permanent crown.
Root canal treatment is an excellent alternative to tooth extractions that helps preserve your tooth structure restoring your oral form, function, and aesthetics.