A root canal is performed to save a severely damaged or infected tooth from being removed. Let’s know about the root canal in detail.
What Is a Root Canal?
Root Canal means cleaning of canals from inside the tooth’s root. Earlier, this treatment was relatively painful. However, with the advancement in technology and local anesthesia, the pain has reduced significantly.
request an appointmentWhen Would You Need a Root Canal?
A tooth has a soft core known as dental pulp, and it extends from the crown to the tip of the tooth root. The pulp consists of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. When a tooth is cracked or infected with a deep cavity, harmful bacteria enter the pulp.
When it is left untreated, bacteria cause severe infections or tooth abscesses. The pulp dies, and you may even lose bone and eventually the tooth. After this, you might experience symptoms like swelling around the face and neck, a hole in the tooth, severe tooth pain, swollen gums, and temperature sensitivity.
Procedure for Root Canal Treatment
An endodontist or a general dentist usually performs a root canal treatment. It takes one or two dental visits as, during the first one, a dental X-ray is taken to determine the extent of the damage. Then, the dentist provides you with local anesthesia to control the pain you might experience during the procedure.
A small hole is drilled in the mouth to remove the decay and clean it appropriately.
After the pulp is removed, the root canal is flushed and cleaned thoroughly to ensure no bacteria is left there. The dentist then prepares it for permanent fillings, and the teeth are left for drying on their own. After the filling, you might need to avoid biting and chewing your teeth until fully treated and restored.
Aftercare for Root Canal
After the dentist has restored the root canal, you need to follow good dental hygiene to make it last for a lifetime. The first few days after the root canal, you might experience a sensitive tooth, and you might also feel pain after local anesthesia wears off. For reducing the pain, the dentist will also prescribe you antibiotics.
Lowery Smiles, located in Cary, NC, has expert dentists and the latest amenities for treatment. Call Dentist in Cary, NC at (919) 468-5501 and schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Therapy
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure used to remove infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth’s root, cleaning and sealing the canals to prevent further infection. This helps save the tooth from extraction. Learn more about preserving teeth on our Restorative Dentistry page.
When is a root canal necessary?
Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma. If untreated, it can cause severe pain, abscess, and tooth loss. See our Root Canal Therapy page for details.
What is the procedure for a root canal?
The dentist or endodontist removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the canals, then fills and seals them. Afterward, a crown or filling may be placed to restore the tooth’s structure and function. Learn more about restorative options on our Restorative Dentistry page.
Does a root canal hurt?
With modern techniques and local anesthesia, root canal treatment is relatively painless. Some mild discomfort or sensitivity may occur for a few days post-procedure, which can be managed with medication prescribed by your dentist.
How should I care for my tooth after a root canal?
Maintain good oral hygiene, avoid chewing on the treated tooth until fully restored, and attend follow-up appointments. Regular dental checkups help ensure the long-term success of the root canal. For ongoing oral health tips, see our Preventive Dentistry page.