Root Canals Routine Procedures to Save Your Natural Tooth

Earlier, if dentists detected an infected nerve in your tooth, chances are they would recommend pulling out the tooth. Fortunately, dentistry advances now make it possible for you to preserve the tooth with root canals for infected tooth nerves. Chances are you dislike your dentist when recommended to undergo root canal treatment or prepare yourself to have the tooth extracted. You may have information that replacements for your missing tooth are comfortably available with dental implants, Vernon. However, is it worth losing your natural tooth merely because of your fear of root canal treatments? Let us explain why this treatment is better than losing your tooth in the long run.

Why Did the Dentist Recommend You Undergo Root Canal Therapy?

Suppose you reported a severe toothache to your dentist with pain when chewing or any pressure applied. In that case, prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold temperature, discoloration of the tooth, besides swelling and tenderness in the surrounding gums are classic symptoms of an infection manifesting within your tooth, encouraging the recommendation from your dentist.

Whether your tooth is affected by severe tooth decay, chips or cracks, or has had repeated procedures doesn’t matter. The symptoms described above are not the only reasons why you need root canal therapy. A painless crack in your tooth allows bacteria to penetrate the tooth where it reaches the tooth root eventually. Severe tooth decay is altogether a different matter because it already has allowed the rot to penetrate your tooth, spreading its bacteria within. In such cases, the better option for you would be to visit a dental clinic near you for advice from a dental professional.

Why Mustn’t You Fear Root Canals?

Your tooth’s nerve isn’t crucial to its health or functionality after it has emerged to the gums. The tooth’s nerve’s primary function is to provide a sensation of hot and cold temperatures and position as a sensory element. The presence or the lack of the tooth’s nerve does not affect the day-to-day functionality of your tooth.

Earlier root canals were feared when dentistry hadn’t advanced, and effective anesthesia techniques weren’t available. The lack of adequate methods to perform root canals made the treatment painful and encouraged many people to create and spread myths about the therapy. Any fear you have about root canal therapy is better put in the trash bin. Modern-day dentistry and appropriate anesthetics ensure the treatment is entirely painless and likely to make you comment it wasn’t painful as described.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

A root canal is a procedure for removing the pulp of the tooth and the infected tooth nerve. The procedure is performed by dental specialists called Endodontists or dentists who ensure you are adequately anesthetized before starting the process. You remain awake during the therapy, but the anesthesia will prevent you from feeling any pain.

When your tooth is entirely numb, the dentist makes a tiny opening in the crown of the tooth to expose the infected or damaged pulp. Special tools are used to remove the infections and to clean out all the canals.

After removing the pulp, antibiotics are coated on the area to eliminate the infection and prevent reinfection. The tooth is cleaned and disinfected before filling and sealing it with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. You also receive a prescription for oral antibiotics.

What Happens After You Undergo Root Canal Therapy?

You are provided root canal after-care tips by the dentist performing the treatment. Any pain you heard about root canals begins only after the dentist accomplishes the therapy. You may experience some soreness in your gums after the numbing medications wear off. You can comfortably overcome the discomfort using over-the-counter pain medications and call the dentist if the pain continues for more than a few days.

You can begin your regular routine the day after the procedure. However, you must avoid chewing food with the damaged tooth until it is entirely restored with a permanent filling or a dental crown. You must revisit your regular dentist in a few days after undergoing root canal therapy. The dentist takes x-rays of the tooth to ensure the infection is eradicated. You can decide with the dentist whether you want to have a permanent filling on the tooth or a crown matching your surrounding teeth made from porcelain or gold. Crowns are realistic and will restore the functionality of your tooth adequately.

Millions of teeth are saved every year, with root canal treatments. Therefore if you wish to preserve your natural tooth, the better option for you would be to undergo the procedure fearlessly.