What Happens During a Root Canal Treatment?

1
What Happens During a Root Canal Treatment?
2
Root canals are performed to preserve a tooth
that is infected or severely injured. People
often view a root canal as being a lengthy or
painful procedure, but this is rarely the case.
3
A simple root canal can often be completed in
under an hour. Even a more complicated one
shouldnt have you in the chair for more than an
hour or two.
4
Your root canal should also be relatively
pain-free. Anesthesia makes your dental
treatment comfortable, and most people find that
it doesnt feel any worse than getting a
filling.
5
Finding out what happens during a root canal
treatment erases the fear of the unknown that
causes anxiety.
6
Start With an X-Ray and Exam
7
Most people come to the dentist with symptoms
that indicate a root canal might be necessary.
Lingering pain in a tooth after exposure to hot
or cold foods is a big warning sign.
8
An infected tooth might also cause you to develop
a pimple, or abscess, on your gums. A sharp
pain with biting or obvious crack are additional
signs that your dentist will take seriously.
9
Dentists start root canals with an x-ray. This
gives them a chance to get a good look at the
shape and number of the tooth roots.
10
We also use x-rays to look for signs of an
infection in the surrounding bone and tissues of
a tooth.
11
Use the Preferred Type of Pain Relief
12
Some teeth that need root canals have dead nerves
that no longer cause pain. Your dentist will
still likely use anesthesia to make sure that you
feel completely comfortable during the procedure.
13
Usually, a dentist uses a topical pain reliever
on your gums to numb the area before using an
injectable anesthetic. Youll find this similar
to the process and sensation that you feel during
a tooth filling.
14
Occasionally, stronger forms of anesthesia are
necessary. Sedatives are helpful for patients
with extreme dental anxiety.
15
People who have disabilities that make it hard
to sit for long periods of time may also do
better with sedation.
16
Clean Out the Tooth Roots
17
Once you are properly numb and relaxed, the main
part of the procedure begins. The dentist will
drill into the tooth to access the pulp and
roots.
18
Then, they use special instruments to clean out
each root. You might feel a little pressure
during this time, but shouldnt be in pain.
19
Seal the Tooth
20
After the tooth is completely clean, your dentist
has two options. For teeth with severe
infections, they may choose to wait to
permanently seal the tooth.
21
Instead, theyll place an antibiotic medication
into the tooth and wait for the next appointment
to make sure the infection clears.
22
If they feel confident about the healing process,
they can also seal the tooth on the same day.
23
Restore the Tooth With a Crown
24
After a root canal, most teeth are too weak to
withstand chewing forces. Youll typically need
a dental crown to add strength.
25
A crown is often placed in stages. Youll
likely go home with a temporary crown on your
tooth while a permanent one is made by a dental
lab.
26
Once it is ready, youll come back to the office
to have it placed. In some cases, you can have
a crown made the same day, which helps you move
forward with healing.
27
We only recommend root canals when we believe
that it is your best option to save a tooth. If
you have any concerns, then let us know.
28
We can walk you through the procedure and let you
know if we expect to run into any complications.
29
Once your root canal recovery is complete, your
tooth should be pain-free and function just like
it did before as you speak and chew your food.
30
Noble Dental Care is a family-oriented dental
care clinic with dentists that care about you and
your health.
31
Give us the opportunity to give you the smile of
your dreams. Call us for an appointment at
[phone].
32
Give us the opportunity to give you the smile of
your dreams. Call us for an appointment at
[phone].
33
(No Transcript)