Ah, the notorious root canal. The majority of us dread hearing those words from our dentist in Chaparral, but don’t worry! Many people have received root canal therapy, making it a very common dental treatment.
A root canal is considered a means of restorative dentistry because the primary purpose of this treatment is to save your tooth, therefore repairing its internal structure and functionality. If you’re interested in learning more about root canal therapy near you, get in touch with our local dental clinic today.
What Does a Root Canal Entail?
Inside the center of each of your teeth is a fleshy sack that’s known as the pulp. This is where nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues all amalgamate, delivering the necessary nutrients to help keep your tooth alive and healthy.
When the pulp becomes infected, this can cause you to feel immense pain and sensitivity, especially when you’re eating and talking. If this goes untreated, your entire tooth can die and the infection can spread to other areas in your mouth. Furthermore, you may require more serious and costly dental treatment like a tooth extraction.
A root canal is an extremely effective procedure that entails scraping out the dead pulp and filling in the hole that’s left behind. Your adult tooth can survive without its pulp because your neighboring teeth will supply the necessary nutrients and minerals.
Sometimes, it can be difficult for us to know whether we do indeed need to receive this particular treatment. To help you out, here is a list of warning signs to keep an eye out for:
- Chronic pain. However, oral pain isn’t exclusive to a damaged pulp. It can also be an indication of a cavity, an impacted tooth, or periodontal (gum) disease.
- Sensitivity, specifically to hot and cold food or drink.
- Your tooth’s started to darken.
- Swollen, red, or inflamed gums. Your dead pulp secretes acidic waste products, which cause swelling and irritation, particularly near the root of your tooth. It can also lead to the formation of small pimples.
- If your tooth is cracked or chipped. Bacteria can gather in these fissures, which can quickly evolve into a serious infection.
- Your tooth feels loose.
For more information about root canals, reach out to a dentist near you. They’ll be able to answer all your questions.
Receiving a Root Canal
Receiving a root canal requires at least two different appointments.
Your first visit will consist of a thorough dental examination as well as a series of x-rays. This allows your dentist or endodontist (a dental professional who specializes in remedying the pulp of your teeth) to create a comprehensive picture of your oral health, including the extent of the damage you’re dealing with and the level of care you need as a result.
One of the biggest concerns people have about root canal therapy is whether it will hurt. Your dentist will do everything they can to keep you comfortable and free of pain. That’s why you’re given local anesthesia. This medication will keep you lucid, but you won’t feel anything while your dentist works.
Next, they’ll drill down into your tooth and extract all the infected pulp. The site will be sealed and then cleaned. Finally, you’ll be given a temporary dental crown, which is a small-cap that’s placed over your tooth to protect it. You’ll need to return at a later date to have the permanent dental crown placed.
It’s okay if you feel sore after the procedure; that’s perfectly normal. Your dentist will prescribe Advil or Tylenol to help you manage any pain. But you’ll be back to your usual self in no time.
Are you in need of root canal therapy in Chaparral? We’re here to help with that. At Chaparral Dental Wellness, our staff will be able to walk you through the process from beginning to end so you don’t encounter any surprises. Call or visit our website to book a consolation today!