Main Street Dental’s Step-By-Step Guide to Root Canal
Among many dental procedures, the root canal treatment is most heard and performed. Your friends and family members might have had the treatment, as well. Just to be clear, the purpose of a root canal is not cleaning and causing unbearable pain. There is a different science behind the treatment. This article will shed some light on the purpose, process, need, and the result of the not-so-scary treatment. Keep reading to figure out everything about a root canal.
What Is a Root Canal?
The first thing you should know is what the process is. Process and need come after that. Root canal treatment is performed to save a dying tooth. It clears out all the bacteria or problem-causing agents and relieves you from future issues like dental implants. To be clear, the process is not getting the teeth cleaned but saving them from dying.
Why Do You Need a Root Canal?
Your teeth have different layers starting from enamel and ending with nerves. Until the tooth is unexposed, your life is easy. Just as the tooth is exposed and tooth decay starts, your problems start. The tooth will decay until it dies. The pulp in the tooth fills up with decaying tissues and bacteria. The end of the tooth is when the gums get infected as well. At this stage, the dentist near you will extract the tooth. It cannot be saved then. You should also know the removal is even more painful than a root canal treatment. To save your tooth from removal, get a root canal.
What is the Process of the Treatment?
The American Association of Endodontics has described four steps for a root canal, and you may need two visits to the dentist near you. Let’s get into the details of what you need to do for a root canal.
You will get an x-ray of the teeth so that the dentist can perform an effective treatment. Now the dentist will numb the area by injecting local anesthesia. There will be a slight pain for three to four seconds because of the needle. After that, you will have no pain at all. A dental dam will be placed to keep the infected tooth dry and free from contaminants.
Now the dentist will construct a hole with the help of a drill on the top of the tooth. After gaining easy access through the hole, the infected pulp will be scrapped out of the tooth.
The tooth will be washed with water to eliminate any leftover contaminants. To ensure bacteria removal, an antibacterial solution will be used on the tooth.
The perfectly clean and dry tooth will be filled with gutta-percha, a rubber-like substance. To cover the hole or opening, a temporary filling will be used until the crown is complete and ready to be placed. After two to three weeks, the treatment will be completed. The dentist will ask you for a second visit to place the permanent crown and complete the treatment. A small upholding may be used to ensure a deep-rooted tooth restoration.
What Comes After the Treatment?
Once the treatment is complete, there will be a pain in your tooth. The treated tooth will be more sensitive than others. The dentist will prescribe some medicine to ease the pain, but it takes time. Your tooth has gone through a tough process. Give it some time to rest and normalize. Do not rush into anything that might hurt your teeth even more. Avoid any chewy food. It may affect the crown and fill as well. Liquids are best for tooth problems. The less effort your teeth apply; the sooner they will recover. Contaminants can enter the freshly injected pulp and may cause some serious problems. Visit the dentist regularly to ensure better health of your tooth.
What Is the Success Rate of Root Canals?
The success rate is approximately 95 percent for root canals. They are found to be the most effective type of tooth saviors. It hurts, but the success rate is persuading. Do not be scared and get a root canal treatment if your tooth is decaying.
Where to Get a Root Canal
If you are looking for a dentist in Spring Valley, NY, then Main Street Dental Care should be your choice. Get all the dental problems fixed from our dentists. We ensure safe treatment for every patient.