When you hear someone mention “root canal treatment,” you probably shudder. This is because a lot of people associate the treatment with extreme pain. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
This is the tooth's white portion visible in the mouth. Enamel is the hardest natural substance in the body and is responsible for chewing and tearing food.
The layer underneath the enamel is the dentin. This is a soft, spongy, and yellow layer that supports the enamel.
The structure underneath the dentin is the pulp chamber. It contains the blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. The pulp is responsible for a tooth’s vitality. The pulp chamber (in the crown) continues into the tooth roots via root canals. When a tooth experiences an injury or infection that affects the pulp, it leads to extreme pain and even tooth death. A root canal treatment is advised to remove the infection and save the natural tooth.
Before they begin the treatment, your dentist will take X-rays of the tooth. This helps them assess the pulp chamber's condition and the root canals' shape. They administer novocaine (local anesthesia) to numb the tooth and the surrounding gums. You do not need anesthesia if the tooth is “dead”, however, it helps you relax during the treatment. The next step is isolating the tooth using a rubber dam. This keeps the area dry and free from salivary contamination.
Your dentist drills an access hole in the surface of the tooth. They remove the pulp tissue and decayed material with a series of dental files. The dental files are taken down the length of the root canals to clean them. Your dentist cleans, shapes, and decontaminates the entire area. Sodium hypochlorite flushes away the debris from the canals, decontaminating it.
Once clean, your dentist fills and seals the canals with a rubber-like material known as gutta-percha. Some dentists like to wait a week before sealing the canals. They will place a special medication in the canals if there is an infection. They top it off with a temporary filling to prevent saliva and food from spilling into the space.
A tooth without a pulp receives its nourishment from the ligament attaching the tooth to the bone. A pulp-less tooth is fragile, which is why it requires protection from a crown. Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and have a dental crown made. They cement the dental crown into place so the patient can continue using the tooth. Note that until the crown is placed, it is best to avoid chewing or biting down on the treated tooth.
At Dental On First, we understand your hesitation against root canal treatments or dentists in general. But don’t worry – with our dental experts and state-of-the-art tech, we know how to keep you relaxed during your visit.
But take the first step – visit us for a consult, and we’ll see where we go from there. Call (952) 758-3003 to schedule an appointment. You can also book an appointment through this form.
A root canal treatment usually takes two appointments with your dentist. Some dentists also perform single-sitting root canals. Speak to your dentist to get a clear idea of your situation.
The best way to avoid a root canal is by being diligent with your oral care. Brush twice, floss once a day, and visit your dentist regularly to keep future dental problems at bay..
To schedule an appointment with our experts, you can call (952) 758-3003. You can also fill in this form.
At Dental on First, our aim is that every patient should leave smiling. And our dental team is highly knowledgeable, professionally skilled, and expertly trained to use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to produce healthy and beautiful smiles for you.
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