What to Expect from a Root Canal Treatment

A root canal treatment is a common dental procedure used to repair and save badly damaged or infected teeth. During a root canal, the pulp inside the tooth (which contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue) is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned, shaped and sealed.

While the prospect of a root canal can seem daunting, the procedure is usually straightforward, and many patients report feeling little to no pain during or after their appointment. Here's an overview of what to expect if your dentist recommends a root canal for you.

The Initial Appointment

Your dentist will start by examining your tooth, taking X-rays if needed, and discussing your symptoms and medical history. They'll explain the root canal procedure and what you can expect during and after treatment.

If you agree to move forward, your dentist will administer local anaesthesia to fully numb the area around the tooth. Once the anaesthesia has taken effect, they'll place a small rubber dam around the tooth to isolate it from saliva and bacteria. If your tooth already has a crown, they may need to remove that first to access the tooth underneath.

Removing the Pulp

Your dentist, such as https://martinacollins.com/, will then use special dental instruments to create an opening through the top of the tooth to reach the pulp inside. They'll remove all the pulp tissue and any decay or infection. The tooth may be gently filed to shape and clean the interior. Small tools and irrigation solutions will be used to thoroughly clean and disinfect the now-empty root canals.

Your dentist may take more X-rays periodically during the procedure to ensure the canals are properly cleaned. This part of the process may take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour depending on the tooth and severity of infection. You may feel some pressure and vibration during the cleaning but should not feel pain thanks to the anaesthesia.

Filling and Sealing the Tooth

Once the inside of the tooth is cleaned out, your dentist will fill and seal it to prevent recontamination. The most common filling material is gutta-percha, a natural rubber material that gets pressed into the root canals. It may be used alone or in combination with cement or other filler. A temporary filling or crown will be placed to protect the tooth between appointments.

Follow-Up Appointment

Although the pulp is removed in the first visit, the tooth is left open and temporarily sealed. You'll need to return to the dentist to have a permanent restoration placed. This follow-up visit is usually 1-2 weeks after the initial root canal and involves removing the temporary filling and checking that the tooth has properly healed. Then a permanent filling and a crown or other restoration is placed on the tooth to restore full function.

Recovery and Aftercare

Most patients feel some soreness in the area for a few days after the root canal, which is normal. Over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol can help relieve discomfort. Limit chewing on the treated tooth until it is fully restored. Good oral hygiene and your regular dental checkups and cleanings are important to ensure the tooth heals properly. Avoid hard foods like nuts and sticky sweets which could dislodge the temporary filling.

Root canals have a high success rate, especially when caught early. With proper care and restoration, a tooth that has had a root canal can last for many years. While the process may take a couple visits, it is usually no more painful than having a filling placed. Knowing what to expect can help ease any anxiety about this common and effective tooth-saving treatment.

Marica 25 G Plovdiv, Bulgaria

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