How Is a Root Canal Done?
Have you been diagnosed with a pulp infection, or are you experiencing a severe toothache, sensitivity, or abscess? If so, you might be a good candidate for a root canal treatment.
If you’re unsure what a root canal is or how it’s performed, this article explains all the essential details about a root canal treatment. For professional root canal in Dallas, TX, contact Trinity Dental Loft.
Why Is a Tooth Canal Necessary?
Before we get into the details of root canal treatment, let’s first understand why a root canal may be necessary. When plaque, tartar, and bacteria are allowed to build up in the mouth, they damage the tooth’s enamel, making your teeth susceptible to cavities.
If not addressed timely, the infection finds access into the tooth’s center or pulp, infecting the nerves and blood vessels.
An infected pulp causes severe toothache, abscess, sensitivity, and swelling. To save the tooth and eradicate the infection, a root canal procedure is performed.
Typically, a root canal is an endodontic procedure designed to remove inflamed or infected tissues from a tooth’s pulp. If the infection isn’t eliminated, it can eat away the rest of the tooth, leading to tooth loss or spreading over to the nearby structures.
How is a Root Canal Done?
Generally, a root canal therapy procedure only requires about two visits to the dental office. It involves:
- Initial Consultation
If you’re considering a root canal, the first step is to contact a dentist near you for an exam. The dentist will begin by reviewing your oral and overall dental history.
Next, they will inspect your teeth, gums, and mouth. Impressions and digital images of the affected tooth and the surrounding structures are taken to study your condition closely. The dentist will then create a treatment plan and schedule you accordingly. You’ll also be guided on how to prepare for the same.
- Performing the Root Canal
On the next appointment, the dentist will perform the root canal. Usually, it’s performed under a local anesthetic to make the procedure as painless and comfortable as possible. Some dentists might not use anesthesia if the affected tooth is dead or no longer sensitive.
Next, the dentist isolates the affected tooth and begins the drilling procedure to access the pulp. The dentist removes all the infected and diseased tissues from the pulp. To prevent re-infection, the tooth is cleaned, rinsed, and disinfected thoroughly using tiny files and irrigation solutions.
Next, the tooth is filled, and the canals closed completely. Since the pulps tissues are removed, the tooth will be dead. Therefore, you won’t feel any pain or sensitivity after a root canal. However, since the tooth structure has changed, the tooth may be weak and more fragile than before. That’s where a dental crown comes in.
The last part of a root canal treatment is placing a dental crown. A crown is fitted over the treated tooth for additional strength and protection. Once the area has healed, you can use the tooth as before.
Often, only one root canal treatment is required. However, if the infection is severe, root canal retreatment may be necessary.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
There are tremendous benefits of using a root canal to treat tooth infections. These include:
- Eliminates and prevent the infection from spreading
After root canal therapy, the harmful bacteria that cause the pulp infection are eliminated. In turn, the infection is stopped and prevented from spreading to other parts of the treated tooth and the surrounding teeth.
- Saves the Infected Tooth
Without a root canal, the infection inside the tooth’s pulp would spread further, eating up the tooth and infecting the adjacent teeth. A root canal cleans the tooth by removing the infection, thereby preserving the natural tooth.
- Enhanced Oral and Overall Well-Being
An infected tooth can significantly affect your feeding and hygiene practices, such as chewing and brushing. Treating the tooth with a root canal eliminates the severe discomfort and side effects of tooth decay, allowing you to eat, brush, and floss comfortably.
There’s also a very close relationship between oral and overall well-being. Poor dental hygiene and health can increase the risk of having health-related complications such as diabetes, respiratory infections, heart disease, dementia, and gastrointestinal infections.
Is a Root Canal Painful?
While some people consider a root canal painful, it isn’t really. The procedure might be less painful than the infection itself. Only minimal pain, sensitivity, and swelling are expected after the treatment. Fortunately, they go away pretty quickly. Make sure you follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to facilitate faster and quick recovery.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
For professional root canal treatment, contact Trinity Dental Loft to book your appointment.