Root Canal Therapy FAQ’s

Root canals can be a scary thought, which brings on numerous questions. Candidates need comfort not only with the tooth pain but the questions swirling around.

Not to fear, treating root canals is an everyday part of dentistry that can ease certain kinds of tooth pain and assistance the teeth to last longer. As people learn more about this valuable procedure, an understanding why it's needed and how it will leave candidates in far better condition than before more and more root canals are being done to save further damage and oral hygiene is on the rise.

Here are some most popular answers to frequently asked questions.

What's a root canal?

Dentists use the term "root canal" in the meaning to the tiny, slender passageways that flow from a central, hollow space in the tooth, this is otherwise known as the pulp chamber, down to the edges of the tooth roots. The term can also be used as "root canal treatment," the process used to preserve the tooth if the soft tissue deep inside of the pulp becomes intensely inflamed or infected.

Why might a root canal treatment be needed?

If the tooth pulp becomes hugely infected or inflamed because of injury or decays, the tissue will need to be separated to save the tooth and halt the infection from spreading. There is an interesting fact here! Adults don't need the tooth's pulp; its primary use is to aid in tooth growth during childhood.

Are there any alternatives?

The dentist might extract the whole tooth, but it's recommended to try and save it particularly since root canal treatment is customary and has a high success rate and keeping the tooth can prevent other troubles from occurring later; these could include difficulty when eating, bite problems from teeth shifting in position and one of the most vital is the loss of jawbone volume and density.

Is a root canal treatment painful?

Usually, the procedure causes no more pain than a cavity filling. A root canal treatment may have an unfavorable reputation, but it is undeserved; in most case, it is the disease that is to criticize and not the cure. In other words, the infections that make the treatment essential in the beginning are often painful because the tissue is inflamed with nerves and therefore is sensitive. Root canal treatments relieve this pain!

What happens during a root canal the procedure?

After numbing the area, a small hole is created in the tooth to gain access to the pulp chamber and canals. The diseased tissue is taken out, and the canals and pulp chamber are disinfected all the way down to the root ends. Another interesting fact! The teeth in the front of the patient's mouth have only one root and usually one canal; the back teeth have two or three roots and most often have three or four canals. Canals and pulp chambers are filled with an inert, biocompatible material, and adhesive cement is then applied. At this point, the access hole will receive what is called a temporary filling.

What happens afterward?

The tooth may feel sore for a couple of days, but the discomfort can usually be relieved with anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen. The dentist regularly instructs the patient to avoid chewing on the tooth that received the root canal until its permanent filling is on, which can be completed a few days after the procedure. The tooth may require a full-coverage crown, depending on how damaged the tooth was. The dentist will discuss these options after the procedure.

How can I avoid a root canal treatment in the future?

Keep the teeth free of decay by brushing and flossing two times a day and using a fluoride mouthwash. Practice a healthy diet which is low in sugar and stay away from acidic beverages. Schedule professional cleanings and exams and if involved in active sports, consider ordering a custom-made mouthguard to protect the teeth from injury.

Request an appointment in our Trophy Club dentist office here: https://trophysmilestudio.com.