A root canal is a treatment that the dentist suggests when you need to get your infected tissue and nerves removed from a tooth. Endodontic treatment or root canal is required when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, causing extreme pain. Instead of removing the entire tooth, a root canal removes only the infected pulp inside the tooth and seals it to prevent further infection. Without this treatment, the infection could spread and affect surrounding teeth or even spread to other areas of the body.
During a root canal procedure, the dentist will first administer local anesthesia and insert a dental drill into the tooth, which pulverizes the infected tissue and nerves.
After removing the infection, a special dental filling is inserted into the tooth. This filling prevents any further bacteria or infection from reentering the tooth. Later, we will cover the tooth with a crown. Most dental crowns are made of porcelain, which mimics the appearance of tooth enamel. In addition to strengthening the tooth, crowns also prevent possible complications from developing in the future.
The first thing that you should do after getting a root canal procedure is to follow all of the aftercare instructions provided to you by your dentist. These instructions might be about continuing your medications, if any, and about cleaning your mouth properly.
You will also need to brush and floss your teeth as normal. You should also avoid eating foods that are too hard or sticky. These foods will cause you more discomfort and may damage your teeth.
Here are the top three benefits of root canal therapy:
Prevents Tooth Loss
A root canal can save your natural tooth by removing the infected tissue within the tooth. When the tooth is infected, it becomes inflamed and can begin to die. Once the infection is removed, the tooth can be saved. A dental crown can be used to cover and protect the tooth.
Heals Infection
Root canal therapy removes the infection from the tooth. Once the infection is removed, the immune system can begin to heal the tissue around your tooth. The infection will not return once the tooth has been treated.
Prevent Spreading of Infection
An infected tooth that is removed can cause surrounding teeth to become infected. By removing the infected tooth, you prevent your other teeth from becoming infected.
Root canal procedures, like any dental procedure, may cause some degree of discomfort. However, a root canal should not cause pain. In fact, root canal therapy is intended to alleviate pain caused by infected pulp. Many root canal patients report little or no discomfort during the procedure. A local anesthetic is administered to numb the treatment area, and patients may also choose oral sedation for the treatment.
At Jones and Hindbaugh Dental, the art and technology of modern dentistry are tactfully employed to systematically restore the damage and improve the cosmetic appeal of your smile. Dr. Erica Hindbaugh Jones' and Dr. Russel Jones specialize in creating a coordinated treatment plan to give you a complete smile makeover. Book an appointment with us today for a more youthful and healthy smile.
