Every year, dentists, endodontists, and other dental specialists perform more than
15 million
root canal procedures.
Have you been told recently that you need a root canal?
If you're feeling nervous about your upcoming root canal procedure, keep reading. Everything you need to know about the procedure is explained below.
This information can help you feel more relaxed and confident when you sit down in the dentist's chair.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a type of
dental service
that dentists perform when an infection occurs inside of the tooth's root. This portion of the tooth is known as a canal, hence the procedure's name.
Root canals can save the decayed, infected tooth and ensure the patient's smile remains as natural-looking as possible.
Common symptoms individuals experience when they need a root canal include:
● Tooth pain, especially when chewing
● Sensitivity to hot and cold
● Swelling of the face or cheeks
● Tenderness and swelling of the lymph nodes
The only alternative to a root canal is to extract the tooth and replace it with a prosthetic.
What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?
There's no denying that a root canal procedure can be quite arduous. It may even need to be spread out over multiple visits. A root canal is not exactly a pain-free procedure, but it's also not as bad as some people make it out to be.
A typical root canal procedure goes something like this:
X-Rays
First, your dentist will perform x-rays to seethe shape of your root canals. They will also check to see whether or not there are signs of infection in the bone surrounding the infected tooth.
Anesthesia
The dentist will then use
local anesthesia
to number the area surrounding the tooth.
Anesthesia is not always necessary during a root canal procedure because the nerve is usually dead. But, most dentists still use anesthesia to help patients feel more relaxed before the procedure.
At this point, the dentist will also place a rubber dam around the tooth to keep the mouth open and the area around the tooth dry.
Drilling an Access Hole
From here, the dentist will drill a hole into the exterior of the tooth.
Through this hole, the dentist will use a special tool, known as a root canal file, to remove the pulp from the tooth. They will also remove bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and any debris located in the tooth.
The dentist will use root canal files in various sizes to scrape the full length of the tooth. They'll occasionally use water or a sodium hypochlorite solution to rinse out the tooth.
Sealing the Tooth
After the tooth has been cleaned thoroughly, the dentist will seal the tooth. They may do this the same day that they clean the tooth, or they'll wait anywhere from a few days to a weak to let the infection clear up.
If the dentist decides to wait before sealing the tooth, they'll place a temporary filling over the top of it. This will keep contaminants out of tooth between this appointment and the next one.
When the dentist does permanently seal the tooth, they'll use a rubber compound known as gutta-percha and a special sealer paste. They'll then place a regular filler over the tool to cover the access hold they drilled at the beginning of the treatment.
Additional Restoration
Sometimes, a tooth requires additional restoration after a root canal.
If the tooth has a large filling in it or is severely decayed, the dentist might also use a crown or other restorative dental procedure for additional protection.
If your tooth requires additional restoration, your dentist will likely perform those procedures at a later date.
How to Prepare for a Root Canal
There are lots of things you can do before your root canal procedure to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible. Some specific steps you can take include:
Pick Up Prescriptions Before the Appointment
Talk to your dentist prior to your appointment and find out whether they will prescribe you painkillers as part of your post-treatment care.
If they will, ask if you can fill the prescriptions before the procedure. That way, you'll have them at your house and won't have to worry about stopping at the pharmacy on your way home from the dentist's office.
Make Your Health a Top Priority
The healthier you are going into the procedure, the less likely you are to experience and complications.
Get plenty of sleep in the days leading up to the procedure and make sure you're eating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet. Steer clear of sugary, processed foods and stick to fruit, vegetables, healthy fats, and quality protein sources instead.
Make Sure You Have Ice on Hand
Freeze ice cubes or ice packs prior to your appointment. That way, it'll be easier for you to deal with pain and swelling once the anesthesia wears off.
Proper Root Canal Aftercare
After your root canal, it's important to take good care of the tooth to ensure it heals properly. The following are some aftercare guidelines you ought to keep in mind:
● Chew on the opposite side of the mouth to minimize stress
● Stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods(soup, smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, etc.)
● Brush and floss your teeth gently
● Use painkillers (prescription or over-the-counter) as needed
Make sure you keep your appointment and go back to have your crown placed if your dentist says you need one. This will ensure your tooth is fully protected and less vulnerable to future damage.
Schedule Your Root Canal Today
Has fear and anxiety about the procedure kept you from scheduling your root canal?
Now that you know what to expect during and after the procedure, it's time to go in and get your tooth taken care of once and for all. Remember, the longer you wait, the longer it will take for you to start feeling better.
If you live in or around the Brewster, New York area,
contact us
at Putnam Bright Smile Dentistry today to schedule your root canal procedure.
