What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is often feared by many individuals who envision lengthy procedures and a painful experience. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Modern-day treatments are fast, efficient, and largely pain-free. Best of all, they allow you to save your tooth in the event that it becomes infected. A root canal treatment is performed to remove bacteria and dying tissue from the inside of a seriously infected and decaying tooth. These days, modern dental technologies have made it so that root canal treatment can be done in relative comfort, and can often be completed in one single session.
When Do You Need It?
The treatment is usually recommended when a tooth becomes infected in the pulp or root. If the pulp of a tooth gets infected with bacteria, this infection could lead to further complications if left untreated. An infected tooth left untreated may eventually need to be extracted, and you run the risk of the infection spreading to other parts of your body including your jaw and neck.
What Are The Steps Of Root Canal Treatment?
The procedure generally takes four steps to complete. Usually, the process takes between 1-2 visits to the dentist and is carried out as follows:
- Local anesthesia will be given to numb the tooth. After this, the dentist will likely place a dental dam in your mouth that keeps the tooth clean and dry while the procedure happens.
- Next, the dentist will use small tools to get to the inside of your tooth. Your dentist will clear away the part of the tooth that is diseased or traumatized and wash the area with hypochlorite and possibly an antimicrobial product.
- Third, your dentist will fill the area that has been cleared away. Often, a material called gutta percha is used to fill up the hole. The tooth will be closed with a temporary filling.
- Lastly, you will wait a few weeks as the area heals. Your dentist will then complete the root canal by putting a permanent crown or another permanent type of restoration on the top of your tooth.
If your tooth is in constant pain or is sensitive to hot or cold drinks, you may be in need of root canal treatment. Contact our friendly staff at Divine Dental Care today and we will look after you.