A throbbing toothache can ruin your day and distract you from the important things in life. Luckily, a root canal treatment can help relieve your pain and save your tooth from extraction.
After giving you an injection of local anesthetic, your dentist will use a rubber covering to keep the area dry and protect it from bacteria in your saliva. They will then open the tooth to remove the damaged tissue, clean and disinfect the empty space, and shape it before filling and sealing.
What is a root canal?
A Bowling Green KY root canal treatment is used when a tooth becomes painful or infected. This is usually due to a crack in the tooth, a deep cavity that reaches the nerve, or a dental injury that affects the pulp. If the infection is not treated, it can lead to serious bone loss, and eventually result in tooth removal.
The affected tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic. A rubber covering, known as a dental dam, is placed over the tooth to prevent bacteria from entering the area. The infected tissue is removed and the tooth’s root canals are cleaned, disinfected, and filled with a rubber-like material called gutta percha.
The tooth is then sealed with a filling or crown to protect it from further damage. Most teeth that have undergone root canal therapy can last a lifetime with proper care.
Why do I need a root canal?
A spongy material called pulp contains blood vessels and nerves that extend into the roots of your teeth. If this tissue is damaged by an injury or infection, a root canal treatment can save it.
If you have a toothache that lingers, or if you feel pain when eating or drinking hot or cold foods or liquids, it could be an indication that your tooth’s pulp is infected or dead. Left untreated, this symptom can cause severe pain and even lead to an abscess.
While the root canal procedure sounds frightening, today’s anesthetics and improved techniques make it much less painful than before. After your dentist removes the infected tissue and disinfects the canal, they fill it and seal the area. Afterwards, you will need to schedule regular follow-up appointments and X-rays to ensure that the root canal has healed.
What happens during a root canal?
During root canal treatment, your dentist will give you sedation or local anaesthetic to ensure that you don’t feel pain. They will then place a sheet of rubber (a dental dam) over your infected tooth to keep it clean, dry and saliva-free during treatment.
They will drill a small opening into the infected tooth and use special files to remove the damaged tissue, bacteria and debris. They will then clean and disinfect the area and fill the root canals with a material that seals them.
If you get a root canal, your dentist will usually put in a temporary filling or crown to protect the tooth until you come back for a permanent one. You will need to avoid chewing on the tooth until then, although you can eat soft foods.
How long does a root canal take?
Millions of teeth are saved each year with this safe, effective and relatively painless procedure. Once the tooth is numb, the infected pulp is carefully removed and the canals are thoroughly cleaned. The space is then filled with a biocompatible material that prevents reinfection and promotes healing.
The length of the Bowling Green KY root canal depends on the tooth’s complexity, its location in your mouth, and the experience and skill of the dental professional performing it. The overall procedure typically takes a few appointments to complete, though the exact duration will vary depending on your unique circumstances. For the best results, we recommend preserving your tooth with a crown following treatment. The result should last for a lifetime with proper oral hygiene and regular checkups.
What happens after a root canal?
While each root canal experience is unique, there are general steps that will help the recovery process. These include taking medication, avoiding chewing hard foods, and drinking plenty of water.
Pain and tenderness are normal after a root canal, but should only last for three to five days. If pain persists, see your dentist for a follow-up appointment.
It is also important to practice good oral hygiene, brushing and flossing twice a day and scheduling regular dental appointments. This will help prevent infection and keep your teeth healthy. It will also give your dentist the opportunity to catch problems such as tooth decay early, so they can be treated before they develop into a root canal treatment. This will save you time, money and discomfort.
