It’s okay to be a little bit fearful of the dentist and different dental procedures. However, not knowing what something involves doesn’t mean it’s something to fear. Take root canals, for example. This straightforward procedure is one that brings about an audible groan from many, but it’s one that can end up saving your tooth. Read on to discover what’s involved in a root canal, and more.
What is a Root Canal Procedure?
Root canal treatment is a process to try and save a decayed, infected, or damaged tooth. Your dentist will remove the nerves and pulp in your tooth to alleviate pain and discomfort. Dentists do root canals all the time, and they will be more than happy to walk you through the process for how they do it.
How is a Root Canal Procedure Performed?
If you have a severely damaged, decayed, or diseased tooth, your dentist might recommend a root canal. This procedure is one that could ultimately end up saving your tooth. The first thing your dentist will do is take an x-ray.
The x-ray will determine the root canal shape as well as where infection could be. They then numb the area with a local anaesthetic to ensure you’re as comfortable possible during the procedure.
While your dentist works, they will use a rubber sheet around the tooth to keep the area dry before drilling into the tooth. They remove the decayed nerve tissue, pulp, and any bacteria that are causing problems. Small root canal files are used to clean and increase the diameter of the area.
Your dentist will then seal the tooth once it’s clean. Sometimes, they do this right away, while other times, they require a second appointment. If your tooth was infected, the dentist might prefer to put medication inside the tooth with a temporary filling to clear it up before they seal the tooth.
At the second appointment, your dentist will fill the tooth with a rubber compound and sealer paste as well as a permanent filling. A crown, post, or another restorative option may then help to add structure to the exterior of your tooth to protect it from breaking down. Every procedure is slightly different, depending on the problem, so talk to your dentist about your options.
Even though root canals have a reputation for being a painful procedure, it’s often no more so than a standard filling. If you are feeling slightly uneasy or fearful about your root canal procedure, ask your dentist about sleep dentistry. They can help you to feel as comfortable as possible while they take care of your teeth at the same time.