Learn More About Root Canals
Root canals are valuable dental procedures used to treat and preserve teeth with badly infected roots. The pulp is the live portion of the tooth that extends into the root and contains nerve endings and tissues. When it becomes infected, patients can experience pain, swelling and even total tooth loss unless treated. Root canals remove the damaged parts of the tooth and infected root. In some cases, an antibiotic is prescribed to help prevent further infection within the tooth. The organic portion of the tooth that remains may be restored using a cap or crown that provides a natural appearance and normal tooth function.
Many patients associate root canals with pain and discomfort.
But local anesthetics and advancements in modern dentistry have made root canals highly tolerable procedures that are often no less comfortable than getting a standard filling. Upon completion, a restored tooth that has undergone a root canal will blend in with surrounding teeth – virtually undetectable to the average eye. More than 9 out of 10 root canal procedures are successful, and most treatments last many years or even a lifetime.
Understanding Root Canal Treatment at Sullivan Darji Dental
Root canals are crucial dental procedures used to save teeth with infected roots, preventing pain, swelling, and tooth loss. The process involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the canal, and sealing it, often followed by placing a crown for restoration. Thanks to modern dentistry, root canals are now much more comfortable, comparable to getting a filling.
What to Expect During a Root Canal
- Initial Examination: Diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Local Anesthesia: Ensures a pain-free experience.
- Pulp Removal: Cleaning and disinfecting the root canal.
- Sealing and Restoration: Filling the canal and placing a crown.
Post-Treatment Care
Post-treatment sensitivity is normal, but you can resume regular oral hygiene immediately. The success rate is high, and most root canals last many years.
Root canal treatment is essential for saving teeth with infected or damaged pulp, preventing the need for extraction. At Sullivan Darji Dental, we ensure a comfortable experience through the following steps:
- Comprehensive Examination: Diagnosing the issue with X-rays and thorough assessment.
- Pain Management: Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, ensuring a pain-free procedure.
- Infection Removal: The infected pulp is removed, and the canals are meticulously cleaned and disinfected.
- Sealing and Restoration: The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material, and a crown is often placed to restore the tooth’s function and appearance.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
- Pain Relief: Eliminates the pain caused by infected pulp.
- Preservation of Natural Teeth: Prevents the need for tooth extraction.
- Restoration of Function: Allows you to chew and speak comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for a root canal?
You could be a candidate for a root canal if decay or damage has allowed bacteria to infect the pulp inside your tooth. A root canal could also be the right treatment for you if you prefer to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible instead of extracting both the healthy and diseased portions of your tooth. For more information about root canals and whether they are right for you, schedule a dental exam and consultation at your earliest convenience.
What should I expect during my root canal treatment?
If you decide to undergo a root canal, the first step in your procedure will involve a local anesthetic. Once your tooth root is numb, the diseased portion of your tooth pulp will be removed and potentially treated for bacterial infection. The tooth will then be sealed and filled before being restored with a crown.
What type of post-treatment care is required after a root canal?
It is normal for teeth to become inflamed after a root canal, potentially causing sensitivity for the first several days following treatment. However, normal brushing and flossing habits can be resumed immediately after treatment and restoration is complete.