A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures. If you’ve been recommended for a root canal, you may be feeling anxious or uncertain about what to expect. Rest assured, by understanding what a root canal procedure involves, you can go into your appointment with confidence and peace of mind.
The Reason
Through a general check-up, your dentist will be able to assess if a root canal treatment is necessary. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, your dentist will investigate further and may suggest a root canal procedure if that’s the best course of action:
- Severe toothache or pain when chewing
- Extreme sensitivity to hot & cold temperatures
- Discoloured teeth
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums near a tooth
- A persistent pimple on the gums
After your root canal appointment is complete, the symptoms should eventually alleviate.
The Goal
Root canal treatment is a procedure that involves removing the infected pulp from inside of a tooth. The pulp is the inner portion of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When this area becomes infected due to decay or injury, it can cause pain and discomfort. The goal of a root canal treatment is to remove the infection while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. This is done to save the tooth from further damage or extraction and reduce symptoms.
The Process
The first step during a root canal treatment is numbing the area so you won’t feel any discomfort throughout the procedure. Your dentist will then use special tools to access the inside of your tooth and remove any damaged or infected tissue. They may also take an X-ray to get a better view of what’s happening inside your mouth before proceeding with their work. After removing the infected tissue, they’ll fill in any empty areas with a special material and place a crown over your tooth for extra protection.
The Recovery
Once your root canal procedure has been completed, it’s important to follow all aftercare instructions provided by your dentist to avoid any complications or infections down the road. It’s normal for some pain and tenderness to pressure in the days following your treatment. However, if these symptoms persist beyond two to three weeks, it’s best to contact your dentist right away for further evaluation. With proper oral care and maintenance, you can look forward to enjoying many more years with healthy teeth!
For Further Information
Root canal treatments can seem intimidating at first, but they are quite painless procedures designed to preserve healthy tooth structure while removing infection and the discomfort associated with decay or injury. Knowing what happens during this process can help ease some of those worries and make your appointment less stressful overall!
If you have any questions about how best to prepare for or recover from this type of treatment, don’t hesitate to ask our friendly team at Pain Free Dental Clinic for advice. We undertake root canal treatments all the time and we’ll be happy to answer any queries you have.
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