Root Canal Treatment: Purpose, Procedure, and Aftercare
Many people think about tooth extraction whenever they experience persistent tooth pain, swollen gums and tooth discolouration. This is because an infected tooth can lead to discomfort until the patient wishes to remove the painful tooth. The good news is that tooth removal might not result from a sore tooth. A root canal is an option when the tooth is not severely damaged, and performing the procedure might save the natural tooth. Root canal surgery is used to treat infection at the tooth’s centre. After that, the infected pulp is removed, and the tooth is properly cleaned, disinfected, and filled. It is also important to take care of your tooth after having root canal therapy done. Excel Dental Care looks at the purpose, procedure and care of your tooth after root canal treatment.
What Is the Purpose of Root Canal?
Root canal treatment is needed when there is a bacterial infection on the pulp of your tooth. It would be best if you looked for a root canal treatment near you when you experience persistent pain, swelling on the gums and pain when chewing so that your dentist can perform an x-ray scan to determine whether you have a bacterial infection on your tooth. A loose tooth can also indicate that your pulp has a bacterial infection.
The ultimate purpose of root canal therapy is to save your natural tooth, and this can only be possible if you visit the dentist near you, who can prevent further. However, it is important to note that if the infection is left untreated, bacteria and rotting debris can develop into a significant infection or abscess, resulting in pulp death, bone loss, and tooth loss.
Root Canal Procedure
When you go for a root canal treatment in Ellicott City, a technician will direct you to a treatment room, help you settle into a chair, and drape a bib over your neck to protect your clothing from stains.
Your dentist will administer a small amount of anaesthesia on your gum near the infected tooth. You may experience a strong pinch or a burning feeling, but it’ll fade away fast. You’ll be awake during the surgery, but the anaesthesia will keep you pain-free.
The dentist will make a tiny hole in the crown of your tooth when the anaesthesia has kicked in. The infected pulp will then be removed by special instruments called files. Finally, the dentist will take extra care to clean up all of your tooth’s canals.
The dentist will apply a topical antibiotic to the region after the pulp has been extracted to ensure that the infection is treated and avoid reinfection. Next, the dentist will fill and seal the tooth using a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha and a sealer paste after the canals have been cleaned and sterilized. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed.
The dentist will next use a soft, temporary substance to fill the little space in the top of the tooth. This sealant protects the canals from saliva damage.
Root Canal Aftercare
After the root canal therapy, your dentist will give you instructions on managing discomfort and care for your tooth while you heal. These instructions are especially important if you have a temporary filling or dental crown.
You may have some sensitivity in the region for a few days when the drug used to numb your mouth during the surgery wears off, as well as slight soreness in your jaw from having your mouth open for a lengthy period during the procedure. Over-the-counter medications normally work well for these transitory symptoms, but your dentist Ellicott City may also prescribe stronger narcotic medicine. It’s critical to follow prescription directions because drugs can make you drowsy properly, so use caution when driving a car or using dangerous machinery while taking them.
It is also important to note that you should wait until the numbness in your mouth wears off before eating to prevent self-injury, like biting your tongue.
You should also not bite down food using the treated tooth until it is fully restored, which may damage it.
Brush, floss, and get regular examinations and cleanings for your teeth, and see your dentist 21042 if you feel discomfort or swelling in the future.