Root canals are a tooth-saving treatment for teeth that become infected. This treatment is a preferred option to removing the tooth, and can provide lasting relief.
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What Is a Root Canal?
A root canals Raleigh NC is a treatment to repair and save an infected or damaged tooth instead of removing it. It is a common dental procedure that has a bad reputation, but with today’s anesthetics and improved techniques, it’s no more painful than living with a damaged tooth.
Inside each of your teeth is a soft core called dental pulp that extends from the crown of your visible teeth to the tip of the tooth’s roots in the jawbone. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. If a problem occurs in the pulp, such as deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, a crack or chip, it can cause infection or inflammation. Untreated, this can lead to a pus buildup at the tip of the tooth’s roots in your jawbone, causing pain and swelling.
During a root canal, the inflamed or dead pulp is removed, and the empty space is cleaned, shaped and filled with a rubbery material called gutta-percha. The tooth is then sealed with a filling or a crown. With proper dental and oral care, your restored tooth should work well and look natural. It can also last a lifetime.
How Does a Root Canal Work?
A spongy material called dental pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, resides inside the roots of your teeth. If it becomes infected, a root canal is the treatment to save your tooth from infection and relieve your pain.
The root canal procedure, also known as endodontic treatment, takes place in two or more visits to your dentist or an endodontist (a specialist in root canal therapy). First, the doctor will inject a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth. They will then make an opening in the tooth using a small drill and remove the damaged or infected pulp. After clearing out the canals, they will fill them with a rubber-like biocompatible material called gutta percha.
Your dentist will then restore the tooth by placing a crown, which is a realistic-looking artificial cap that looks and functions like your own natural tooth. Your dentist may give you a temporary filling after the root canal to protect the tooth from chewing until they can permanently repair it with a permanent crown.
Some people have a fear of root canals Raleigh NC, but with advances in dentistry and anesthetic medicine, this procedure is no more painful than getting a filling. However, you should expect lingering sensitivity after the treatment and take over-the-counter pain medications as needed. If the pain persists, call your provider and schedule an appointment to assess the situation.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
The duration of a root canal depends on which tooth is being treated. The incisor and canine teeth, which are located in the front of the mouth, have only one root canal and are therefore easier to treat. Premolar and molar teeth, on the other hand, have two or more roots that must be cleaned out thoroughly. As a result, they can take up to an hour or more to perform.
The pain that is often experienced with a root canal treatment is generally not any more painful than getting a filling or having a wisdom tooth removed. It is a small price to pay for the relief from the pain and the ability to keep your natural tooth intact.
When a tooth becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, an injury, or problems with a previous dental filling, it may need a root canal. This simple procedure eliminates the bacteria inside the infected canal, disinfects the area, and seals it. Millions of teeth are saved each year using this quick and comfortable treatment.
To prevent a root canal in the future, practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. You should also avoid eating foods or drinking beverages that are acidic or high in sugar, as these can erode your enamel and create a place for bacteria to grow.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
A root canal (endodontic treatment) is necessary when the inner tooth pulp becomes inflamed or infected. Symptoms of this are usually pain, but can also be sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling of the gums & face or a dark discoloration of the tooth. When this happens, it is important to schedule a dental appointment to see a dentist because without a root canal treatment the infection can spread to surrounding teeth & become a much bigger problem.
During a root canals Raleigh NC, your dentist will open the tooth by creating a small opening in the crown & then remove the infected tissue from the inside of the tooth. Once this is done, the tooth will be cleaned & sealed. Lastly, the tooth will be filled with a dental composite to restore its strength & appearance.
Root canals are commonly feared because of the myth that they are painful, but thanks to advancements in anesthetics, they are actually very comfortable. However, tooth pain can still occur after a root canals Raleigh NC due to lingering infections or damage that may not have been treated immediately. To relieve these symptoms, take a pain reliever as instructed by your dentist. You should also avoid biting or chewing on the affected tooth until it has been permanently repaired & restored with a dental crown.
