What is a Root Canal Procedure
Sometimes, a tooth can develop an infection in the pulp inside the canals of the root due to extensive decay or injury to the tooth. In the event that this happens, your dentist will refer you to an endodontist for an evaluation. The endodontist will perform a number of tests on the tooth to determine if root canal therapy is the best treatment for the tooth. Root canal therapy greenville south carolina can save a tooth that may otherwise have to be extracted.
Depending on the number of canals in the tooth and the extent of infection, treatment can usually be performed in one visit, though sometimes a second visit is necessary.
What is the procedure for root canal therapy treatment?
Root canal therapy can usually be completed in one visit, especially for anterior teeth that only have one canal. A second as it may be required if infection is too expensive or if the tooth has multiple canals such as the molars and premolars. There are a number of steps for completing treatment which we will take a look at here!
Step 1: Your endodontist will apply a topical numbing agent to the gum tissue at the infected tooth before administering a local anesthetic injection. Your doctor will then use a rubber dental dam to isolate the tooth being treated to keep it clean and dry during the procedure. In order to keep your mouth propped open during treatment, they will place a bite block on the other side of your mouth which will enable you to relax a little without having to focus on keeping your mouth open.
Step 2: A small access hole is drilled through the tooth enamel and dentin so the doctor can clear out the infected pulp in the canals using very small, cylindrical files. They will then use an antimicrobial solution to remove any remaining bacteria and to help keep the tooth from becoming reinfected.
Step 3: Once the canals are cleaned and disinfected, they are dried and temporarily filled with a rubbery material called gutta-percha and covered with a temporary filling. Sometimes, it is recommended to have your tooth permanently restored immediately following root canal treatment but usually, it is best to wait a couple of weeks to allow the tooth to calm down. During this time, it is very important that you are careful while eating and drinking and that you do not chew on the treated tooth.
Step 4: Finally, it is time for your permanent restoration so your general dentist will take over from here! Your dentist will remove the temporary filling and gutta-percha and place a permanent core build-up. They will then place either a permanent ceramic filling or a porcelain crown.
A root canal treated tooth can become brittle overtime since the blood flow is no longer in the tooth. If your dentist was able to restore your tooth using a simple filling, you may eventually require a crown to ensure the integrity of the tooth. It is important to maintain regular visits with your dentist not only for your overall oral health but because a root canal treated tooth can still develop decay and since there is no longer any nerve in the twos, you will not likely notice any symptoms.
More on Root Canals : How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?