How to Know When to Get a Root Canal?
Germs can occasionally cause infections by entering the tooth pulp. If this happens, the tooth needs root canal therapy to be saved. When the soft inside pulp of a tooth is damaged, inflamed, or infected, a root canal procedure is carried out.
This method entails removing the affected pulp and sealing the tooth to prevent reinfection. Even though the pulp is dead, the tooth’s crown that is visible above the gums might still be intact. Removing damaged or diseased pulp is the best technique to maintain the tooth’s structure.
To learn more about this dental procedure, continue reading.
What Transpires During a Root Canal Procedure?
It’s okay if your dentist or endodontist recommends a root canal operation or an endodontic treatment to repair a diseased or damaged tooth. The pulp, which houses blood arteries, nerves, and connective tissue, aids in the formation of the tooth’s root.
Depending on the tooth’s health and the patient’s specific needs, a contemporary root canal procedure is comparable to a simple filling. It may be finished in one or two sessions. You’ll soon be back to normal after undergoing a root canal, which is comparatively painless and quite effective.
When Do You Need a Root Canal?
You may necessitate a root canal if any of the following occur:
- A chipped or cracked tooth. If you’ve chipped or cracked your teeth due to an accident, physical activity, or even by biting down on anything hard, germs may get into the tooth’s pulp.
- Discoloration of the teeth. Infected tooth pulp can make your teeth appear darker.
- Pain while applying pressure. The pulp’s surrounding nerves may be injured if you experience pain when chewing or touching your tooth.
- Pimple on the gums. Your gums may start to break out in pimples or boils. The pimple may discharge pus from the diseased tooth.
- Sensitivity to cold and heat. If you have discomfort when consuming hot beverages like coffee or ice cream, you may require root canal therapy. This is particularly true if the soreness persists for a considerable time.
- Swollen gums. Around an infected tooth, pus may form. As a result, gums could swell and become sensitive.
- Swollen jaw. The area may occasionally not be able to discharge fluid. Your jaw may therefore show signs of swelling.
- Tooth discomfort. A variety of dental issues can result in tooth discomfort. You could require root canal therapy if you are experiencing severe tooth discomfort. Your jaw, cheeks, or other teeth may also hurt.
How Is a Root Canal Performed?
In a local dental clinic, is where a root canal is performed. A technician will meet you at the appointment to prepare you for the procedure and take you to the treatment area.
Step 1: Administering Anesthetic
Your gums near the painful tooth will get a small dosage of numbing medication from the dentist in Watrous. Your gums will then get a local anesthetic when it has had time to take effect. This will pass rapidly, although you can experience a strong pinch or burning feeling. The anesthesia will protect you from experiencing any discomfort even though you’ll be awake throughout the process.
Step 2: Removing the Pulp
The dentist cleans out the root canal while your tooth is anesthetized. Under local anesthetic, the dentist cuts a tiny access hole on the tooth’s surface and uses tiny files to remove the damaged and dead pulp tissue.
Step 3: Antibiotics
After removing the pulp, the dentist could treat the area with a topical antibiotic to ensure the infection is gone and prevent reinfection. The dentist will use gutta-percha, a sealant substance that resembles rubber, to fill and seal the tooth after the root canals have been cleaned and sterilized. They could also suggest taking oral antibiotics.
Step 4: Temporary Filling
The dentist will temporarily seal the tiny opening at the tooth’s crown using a soft material. Saliva damage to the canals is reduced with the use of this sealant. A crown or filling is needed to protect the tooth from becoming more brittle.
The patient shouldn’t bite the tooth or chew until the crown or filling is finished. Treatment often only requires one session, but if there are curved canals, several canals, or serious infections, it may require one or two more appointments.
Conclusion
The dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen if you have tooth or gum discomfort after the numbing medicine wears off. The dentist will take X-rays and replace the temporary filling with a permanent one if the discomfort gets intense or persists for more than a few days.
A permanent crown may be fitted on the tooth if the dentist chooses. After the treatment, it may take a few weeks to get acclimated to how the tooth feels; however, this is typical and poses no threat.
