At Guelph Royal Dental Centre are aware that having a root canal performed can be a frightening experience. Remember that root canals are an ordinary, risk-free surgery that can help you preserve your original teeth. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about root canals, including what they are, when you might need one, and how to prepare.
Root Canal Therapy
A fractured or infected tooth may require a root canal or a dental operation. The dentist will first clean the root canals, remove any diseased or damaged pulp, fill the cavity, and seal it. The pulp is the thin layer of the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves.
What Gives You The Right To A Root Canal?
Root canal therapy is typically necessary when a tooth is damaged or infected. An enormous cavity, dental damage, or broken teeth are one or several causes of this. If the pulp becomes infected or inflamed, unpleasant sensations, swelling, and, if left untreated, an abscess may manifest. The best option to save a decaying or infected tooth and avoid extraction is often through root canal therapy.
The Symptoms Of A Root Canal
Common indications that a root canal may be necessary include the following:
- Tooth tan or rust-coloured
- Localized gum pain and inflammation
- Ongoing sensitivity to heat or cold, even after the toothache’s primary cause has been addressed.
- A gum protrusion that is not visible close to the broken tooth
You must consult a dentist immediately if you notice any of these signs. Your dentist can decide whether a root canal is necessary with the help of an oral exam and an x-ray.
Approaches To A Root Canal
If a root canal is required, your dentist will walk you through the process and address any concerns you may have. The following steps are often included in the process:
- The dentist will apply a local anaesthetic to make the tooth and the surrounding area pain-free.
- The dentist will create a small incision in the tooth’s crown to remove the diseased or damaged pulp.
- Cleaning the root canals: The dentist shapes and cleans the root canals using tiny pieces of equipment to prepare them for filling.
- The tooth will be sealed by the dentist after being filled with a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha.
- Because a tooth is usually weak after a root canal, it is occasionally required to install a crown or filling to offer stability and support.
You may experience unpleasant or uncomfortable side effects following the surgery, but these are typically treatable with over-the-counter medications.
How Should I Be Ready for a Root Canal?
There are a few things you can do to get ready if you believe you may soon require a root canal. They consist of:
- Organizing transportation: Due to the local anesthesia, you won’t be able to drive yourself home after the surgery.
- Consuming a light meal: When in therapy, you shouldn’t be too hungry or full.
- Taking any prescription medication: Before receiving treatment, be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions for taking all prescription medications.
- Carrying music or headphones: Use headphones to shut out the distracting noise of the dental equipment. Another choice is music.
Some Advice For Maintaining Your Teeth After A Root Canal
You must take extra care of your tooth to ensure it heals correctly after a root canal. This includes:
- Avoid chewy or crunchy foods to prevent pain or damage to your teeth, which may be sensitive for a few days.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Your dentist might advise using a particular mouthwash for a few days after the procedure.
- Staying in touch with your dentist: If more care is required, your dentist will arrange a follow-up appointment to assess the state of your tooth and perform a crown or permanent filling.
Why It’s Beneficial to Maintain Your Natural Teeth?
Even though the thought of a root canal may be unsettling, it’s critical to remember that keeping your natural tooth is always the best option. Natural teeth support the adjacent teeth and help keep your jawbone healthy. Moreover, they are typically stronger and more resilient than dental implants.
If a root canal is not possible, a tooth may need to be extracted in specific circumstances. If so, you can talk to your dentist about replacement options like bridges, dental implants, and partial dentures.
Need a Root Canal? Call the Guelph Royal Dental Centre right away.
The Guelph Royal Dental Centre understands how crucial it is to give you the best treatment while preserving the health of your natural teeth. Call our office immediately if you have tooth pain or any other signs that might suggest a need for a root canal. Together with you, our highly skilled dental team will offer the care you require to keep your teeth healthy and pain-free.
Call 519-837-1870 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services. We are thrilled to help you have a lovely, healthy smile!
DISCLAIMER: The advice offered is intended to be informational only and generic in nature. It is in no way offering a definitive diagnosis or specific treatment recommendations for your particular situation. Any advice offered is no substitute for proper evaluation and care by a qualified dentist.