Understanding root canal therapy
Understanding the process involved in root canal treatment may help eliminate some of the anxiety associated with it. Should you be wondering if you need to undergo root canal treatment or what to expect, the information below may help to put your mind at ease.
Do you need root canal therapy?
Your dentist will be able to give you an answer after a consultation. They may recommend root canal treatment if the pulp of your tooth becomes infected and cannot be repaired. This is usually a result of decay or trauma
Some of the symptoms of a damaged pulp are:
- Pain
- Sensitivity
- Gum tenderness
- Bleeding
- Change in the taste of your mouth
What happens if you avoid treatment?
While the decision is completely up to you, avoiding treatment can lead to an infection of surrounding teeth and bone. This could result in bone loss, swelling in the face and irreversible gum recession. Furthermore, infections from the mouth can spread to other parts of the body like your heart and lungs. It is for these reasons that we recommend fixing the problem before it escalates!
What is the process of a root canal?
Local anaesthetic
You will receive an injection to numb the nerves in your mouth which will reduce sensitivity and pain.
The pulp is removed
The first step is removing the damaged pulp from your tooth. For this, the dentist will use a drill to access the pulp chamber. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, that make the hard tissues of your teeth as they developed. A mature tooth can survive on its own without pulp, making root canal therapy a good option when you have inflammation or infection that is impacting the health of your mouth.
Some patients opt to be sedated for the procedure which is a technique used to relax a patient and prepare them for various dental procedures, including root canals. Nitrous oxide is available in our dental offices, although other options for sedation may be recommended.
What happens after the treatment?
As you will have to keep your mouth open for some time, some patients may experience stiffness or pain in the jaw. You could also feel some sensitivity or tenderness in the area around the tooth for a few days after the procedure. Should you experience pain or discomfort, you can relieve the symptoms with mild over-the-counter painkillers. If you experience, swelling or severe pain, we advise that you contact us immediately as this could point to an infection.
For professional service that you can trust, book a consultation with us today.