Root canal treatment is a very common procedure that can serve different purposes. It doesn’t have the best reputation amongst patients, mainly due to misinformation. A lot of people fear this procedure because they believe it is complicated and painful. While this may have been true in the past, it is not the case now. Undergoing root canal treatment at a dental clinic near you is something you shouldn’t fret about. In this article, you will learn all there is to know about this procedure as well as different signs you may need it.
What happens during root canal treatment?
During root canal treatment, your dentist will access the central part of your tooth, which is called the pulp. This is where the blood vessels and the nerve are. Sometimes, it can become infected and cause a lot of pain. If this is your case, a dentist in Davie will drill a hole into your tooth to remove all of the infected and devitalized pulp. An antibacterial solution is often applied to the affected tooth to prevent infections from occurring again, and the tooth is sealed with a filling. In some cases, damage to the pulp can be extensive and after removing it, the tooth can be very fragile. To prevent the tooth from breaking, your dentist may place a dental crown to strengthen it.
Who needs a root canal?
The main reason why patients need a root canal in Davie is tooth decay. When cavities aren’t diagnosed or treated correctly, they can penetrate the external layers of the tooth until they reach the pulp. This results in a severe toothache and an infection that can only be treated with a root canal. Failing to treat the cavity at this point can cause more severe conditions such as a tooth abscess or a systemic infection.
The most common sign you may need to undergo root canal treatment is severe tooth pain. Generally, this symptom is accompanied by swelling of the gums in the area that surrounds the affected tooth. Also, if you suffer from severe tooth sensitivity you can find relief through a root canal near you. This option is only offered to patients who have tried other less drastic therapies with no improvement.
Finally, another reason for root canal treatment is dental injuries, and specifically chipped teeth. In these cases, the pulp can become injured and the nerve is exposed. This treatment helps salvage your natural teeth and avoid the need for dental implants or any other tooth replacement.
Is root canal treatment painful?
Before your procedure, your dentist will administer local anesthesia to the area where they will work. Doing this ensures that you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. People who suffer from specific phobias or anxiety should ask their dentists about the possibility of having general anesthesia, so they won’t be awake during the procedure.
Even though you won’t feel any pain during the surgery, you may experience some swelling and soreness during the recovery. This discomfort goes away in a couple of days, and your dentist will prescribe some pain medication to relieve it.
Are there any complications?
The vast majority of root canal procedures are successful. However, there are some cases where the dental restoration process isn’t as thorough as it should have been and this can lead to future infections.
What are the benefits of root canals?
Without a doubt, the main benefit of this procedure is being able to salvage your natural teeth. By doing this, you avoid having to undergo tooth extraction and tooth replacement. This is a great relief for you as well as for your wallet since tooth replacement options are far more expensive than root canals.