4 Things To Expect When You Visit A Dentist For Root Canal Treatment
Posted on: 7 April 2022
Tooth decay, if left untreated, often advances as the bacteria slowly eats into the pulp of a tooth. You may notice increased tooth sensitivity, pain, swollen gums, bad breath, and tooth discoloration. Depending on the severity of the problem, your dentist might recommend a root canal procedure rather than a dental filling or tooth extraction. So, if that is settled, you might want to learn about what to expect during treatment.
1. Initial Examination and Administering Anesthesia
Upon appointment with your dentist, the specialist will ask you some questions to understand your situation and gauge the severity of the problem. The specialist will examine the tooth to see if it can be saved. A root canal procedure is best recommended as the last resort to salvage your tooth from extraction.
The specialist will prepare you for the treatment by adjusting your chair and placing a wrap around your neck to avoid staining your clothes. They will inject local anesthesia into your gum to numb the target area of operation. The medication keeps you awake but numb throughout the procedure.
2. Extracting the Decayed Tissues
Once the drug takes effect and your gums are numb, the specialist will use a special drilling tool to make a hole at the top of the affected tooth. The expert will carefully extract the infected pulp located inside the tooth. After removing all pulp, they will use a special tool to clean the inner surfaces of the canal and cavity.
3. Filling the Tooth
The specialist might apply relevant solutions around the hollow structure left behind after pulp extraction to eliminate the bacteria and prevent infection. After that, the specialist will apply a paste to fill the hollow space left by the extracted soft tissues. Applying a sealant after dental filling also prevents the canals from getting damaged. The sealant should also prevent bacteria from accessing the tooth's inner structure.
4. Regular Examination and Follow Up
Specialists often prescribe antibiotics and pain medication after the treatment. You will be advised to avoid chewing with the affected tooth for a few hours. You will also be asked to go back to the clinic for examination and follow-up treatments where they fill the tooth permanently and fix a crown if necessary. Follow-up treatments also prevent the reoccurrence of infections and enhance your overall oral health.
If you want to avoid tooth extraction or have a big dental cavity, set an appointment with the specialists to determine whether a root canal procedure would be ideal. Now that you know what to expect, it is time to visit a dentist for more information.
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