The only thing you would expect when advised by your dentist about the need to undergo root canal treatment would be a pain, pain, and nothing but pain. You wouldn’t believe the procedure is performed to relieve you from the pain you are suffering rather than to heap more pain on you. The treatment is performed when the soft inner part of your tooth known as the pulp becomes inflamed or infected because of injuries.

Endodontists are known as specialists for performing this treatment. This treatment has a single objective to remove infections from within the tooth and protect it from infections again. The procedure is performed in the pulp of the tooth which is also identified as the root canal.

What Precisely Is Root Canal Treatment?

Your dentist or endodontist will advise you that a root canal is a part of your tooth and not the treatment itself. It contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and other cells to collectively be known as the pulp. The crown of your tooth or the part visible above your gums will remain intact even when the pulp within is dead. The best way to preserve the structure of the tooth is to remove the injured or infected pulp. When the pulp within the tooth is infected or inflamed you will suffer from pain in your tooth along with swelling and a sensation of heat in your gums. Your dentist will examine your painful tooth and take x-rays before confirming the diagnosis.

Performing Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatments are performed in a dental office and when you arrive for your appointment you will be escorted to the dental chair by a technician and prepared for the procedure. The dentist will apply some topical anesthetic on your gums close to the affected tooth. After the topical anesthetic has taken effect your gums will be injected with a local anesthetic. You will remain awake during the procedure without feeling any pain because of the anesthesia.

When your tooth is entirely numb a small opening will be made by the dentist on the top as an access hole. The specialist will use the access hole to expose the infected or damaged pulp and remove it with the help of special tools paying particular attention to clean out all the pathways within your tooth.

After removing the pulp the dentist will coat the area with topical antibiotics to ensure the infection is eliminated and to prevent a recurrence. The tooth will be sealed and filled after cleaning and disinfecting the canals. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent infections.

Finally, the dentist will complete the procedure by filling the access hole created on the top of the tooth with temporary materials. This is to prevent the canals from damages by saliva.

Your fears will come true for a moment as the anesthesia begins to wear off. You may also experience some swelling in your gums but your dentist would have recommended over-the-counter pain medications to manage these symptoms. However, if you experience pain persistently you can always contact your dentist for additional advice.

What Can Be Expected after Root Canal Treatment?

Having undergone a restorative procedure like root canal treatment, you can expect to enjoy positive results of the procedure throughout your life. How you take care of your teeth will determine how long the results benefit you. The best thing you can expect after root canal treatment is an opportunity to overcome your fear about these procedures and have the confidence of telling everyone root canal treatments are no more painful than having a routine filling.

Why Were Root Canals Feared Earlier?

Lack of proper technology and invasive procedures being performed by inexperienced or underqualified professionals was the primary reason why root canal treatments were feared earlier. People needing root canal treatments often preferred tooth extractions exposing themselves to expensive restorations for tooth replacements. Thankfully, modern-day anesthesia and the skill of endodontists have made root canal treatments as simple as having a tooth filled. The only thing you can expect from root canal treatments besides the pain is the ability to begin enjoying your tooth and have the ability to smile confidently all over again.

Endodontist in Toronto

Do you need root canal treatment? Contact York Hill Endodontics to learn more about the best approach for yourself.

 

Article originally appeared at: https://www.dentistdixon.com/

Author: Exceptional Dentistry