What to Expect When Getting a Root Canal

For those who are anxious about dental procedures, it helps to know what you are getting into when receiving root canal treatment. Root canals are treatments that are meant to clear a infection from deep inside tooth roots and alleviate any existing pain in the process. Root canals are designed to save your natural tooth when it is deeply infected, decayed or damaged.

What to expect at your root canal procedure

Regarding the length of the procedure, root canals can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. During this time, the patient will sit with the mouth open. This can be an uncomfortable experience for some people, but know that it is necessary. 

Preparing to get a root canal

To prepare, the dentist will likely take an X-ray to help guide them through the root canal. Often, dentists use a rubber dam that will isolate the tooth and prevent contamination once the tooth has been opened. The dam looks like a small rubber sheet that is placed over the mouth. This dental dam can also prevent objects from flying into the back of the throat during the procedure.

Once in the dentist chair, the first thing that the dentist will do is use local anesthesia to numb the tooth. This is to make sure that the patient is as comfortable as possible. After applying a numbing substance topically, the dentist injects an anesthetic into the area surrounding the tooth. Most patients report feeling little to no discomfort during the procedure. 

During the root canal

To begin, the dentist will use a dental drill and other tools to make a hole in the top of the tooth. This allows the dentist to gain access to the interior of the roots. A sanitizing solution is injected into the root canals. The dentist then clears the root canals of all infected tissue.

After the root canals are cleared out, they are then filled with a special dental filling material. This gives the hollowed roots some strength and prevents any further decay or infection. The hole in the top of the tooth will be sealed as well.

After the root canal

In most cases, the dentist will recommend placing a crown over the treated tooth to prevent further damage or decay. The tooth is still vulnerable to damage and bacterial attack as long as it is not covered by a dental crown. To make the crown, the dentist will prepare the tooth by shaping it to make room for the crown. An impression is then taken of the mouth to be sent off to the dental laboratory in order to make the custom restoration. It may take a few weeks for the crown to be ready if the dentist is using a traditional laboratory. 

Expect the gums and lips to be numb for a few hours after the root canal. Sensitivity is common and pain will usually peak around 24 hours after the treatment. Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen should help to manage the pain. Ibuprofen also has anti-inflammatory properties that will reduce any swelling.

The root canal process

We want you to feel completely informed and ready for your procedure when it comes time to get a root canal. If you have any questions regarding root canals or dental health, call our office today. Our highly trained dentists and hygienists are here to help.

Request an appointment here: https://trophysmilestudio.com or call Trophy Smile Studio at (817) 210-4049 for an appointment in our Trophy Club office.

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