Root canal likely brings up terrifying images and anxiety by just thinking about it. But they’re a very common practice and often the best way to help repair damage you have in your teeth or gums. Also called endodontic therapy, root canals are simply a way to replace a damage tooth root to protect the rest of your mouth and overall oral health.
Root canals can be a thing of a fear, but they don’t need to be.
This common procedure can save you from some real dental pain and further complications from infections in your teeth that can travel to your gums, jaws, and beyond. But having the facts about root canals can help you make the right oral health decisions.
Below are some facts about root canals that you should know.
Why might I need a root canal?
A few things could result in a root canal and many of them are the result of not tackling oral issues as soon as they appear. This could mean letting a cavity progress deeper in the tooth, not repairing a cracked or broken tooth, or an infection that has reached the root system of a tooth. Root canals are the last resort for issues that can be handled earlier with much less invasive procedures.
Are root canals painful?
The procedure itself is painless because you are administered topical anesthetic as well as potential further numbing agents and anesthetics depending on your needs. While soreness afterwards is not uncommon, the procedure itself won’t be felt by you while it’s happening and the recovery time is not too extensive. Many people picture the day and even weeks of recovery for wisdom teeth removal when they think of root canals.
What happens during a root canal?
After your consultation appointments to determine that a root canal is indeed the right choice for your needs, the procedure begins with numbing the tooth and surrounding area. Then a small incision is made in the crown of your tooth to open the pulp chamber and access to the canal. Then the diseased tissue is removed and the inner portion of your tooth disinfected. You will then receive an artificial filling in place of the removed material and a permanent replacement crown is placed over that.
Related Questions
What sort of discomfort can I expect?
Tenderness of the treated area resulting in minor discomfort afterwards is common. This can be exacerbated when biting down or eating and drinking foods of extreme temperatures. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually help take the edge off as well as chewing on the opposite side of your mouth until you heal.
How can I avoid getting a root canal?
Take care of your teeth. Specifically, avoid eating sugary foods or drinks, brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss after eating, and see your dentist regularly for tooth cleanings.
Common sense, right? Proper oral health practices certainly help keep dental issues at bay, but over time our teeth become victims of genetics, indulgences and the natural progression of aging. Being proactive and consulting your dentist as dental concerns appear helps.
Sedki Dentistry located in Commerce Twp is a #1 choice for general and cosmetic dentistry for the entire family. Don’t wait for a dental emergency, our full-service dental office can address all your dental health needs. Our personalized services include everything from dental veneers and braces to dental implants, bridges and gum rejuvenation.
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