Root Canal Treatments – What to Expect

by | Oct 14, 2022 | Root Canal

Do you need a root canal? An infected tooth can be successfully saved and treated with a root canal if detected in time.

Many patients may be afraid of getting a root canal, but we’re glad to say that treatment techniques have improved to the point where patients no longer have anything to worry about.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

The term “root canal” refers to a portion of a tooth rather than a medical procedure. The pulp also referred to as the hollow part of a tooth, is where the nerves, blood vessels, and other cells are found.

The crown and roots make up a tooth. The roots are primarily below the gum, while the crown is mostly above it. The tooth’s roots secure it to the jawbone.

The pulp is located within the crown, root, or canal. The pulp hydrates the surrounding tissue and feeds the tooth. The pulp’s nerves react to heat and cold by sending pain signals.

Endodontic therapy, “inside the tooth,” is the actual name of the dental procedure frequently referred to as a “root canal.”

But the phrase “root canal” is frequently used to refer to the procedure.

What should you know before, during, and after a root canal procedure?

Z Before Treatment

The dentist will first evaluate whether root canal therapy is your best choice for keeping it. If there is tooth pain, there most likely is a cavity.

For some cavities, fillings are a solution. Usually shallow to moderately deep, these cavities.

However, they are typically minor enough that the tooth can be cleaned and saved by simply filling the space with metal or composite.

Your dentist will suggest a root canal as the best option if they determine that the cavity is too advanced for this treatment. They will arrange for you to have another appointment, so you have time to prepare.

On the appointed day, you will show up as usual. Your options for managing the pain will be discussed with your dentist.

Some dentists suggest nitrous oxide or local anaesthetics, whereas others might consent to complete sedation.

They will start your root canal procedure after this takes effect.

Z During Treatment

You might need an injection to relieve pain or discomfort during root canal procedures. The root canal procedure is typically performed under a local anaesthetic (numbing).

The tooth area may be kept dry and free of saliva after being numbed by your dentist using a rubber dam.

Simply put, a rubber dam is a piece of rubber that fits over a tooth and keeps it separate from the other teeth in the mouth.

Your dentist will use root canal files to clean the tooth’s canals (roots) after the decay and bacteria have been eliminated.

In such a situation, your dentist will carefully clean the tooth, place some sedatives, and fill it with a temporary filling.

The dentist will typically use gutta-percha, a rubber filling material, to seal the canals after completing the root canal procedure. The tooth will receive a standard filling after filling the root canals.

Z After Treatment

After covering the root canal, your dentist will put a filling in the tooth.

For a few days, there may be some minor discomfort, similar to the aftermath of a routine filling. This is usually treatable with over-the-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen.

After it is sufficiently secure, the dentist completes the procedure by placing a new crown on the tooth.

This achieves two objectives: it adds another layer of protection against future decay and strengthens the tooth against stress fracture.

Root canal therapy has a stellar track record of saving decayed teeth. There is nothing to be concerned about, and your problematic tooth has nothing to fear.

Save Your Teeth with Root Canal at Marketfair Dental Care

You can preserve a tooth and maintain oral health by getting a root canal.

At Marketfair Dental Care, we treat all our patients as we would our families by using the most appropriate and cost-effective solutions.

Visit your Campbelltown dentist today!

Call us at (02) 4620 0800 or make an appointment online.

We are located at Marketfair Campbelltown Shop 21B, 4 Tindall St in Campbelltown.