Although root canals are often associated with fear and anxiety, they are truly a lifesaving dental procedure that can save your natural teeth from extraction. Don’t panic if your dentist has suggested a root canal. Here is all you need to know about root canal therapy.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal therapy, or endodontic therapy, is a dental operation used to treat infected or abscessed teeth. The procedure’s primary goal is to successfully treat the infection and save the patient’s natural tooth. Root canals are a specialized dental operation that is often performed by a dentist or endodontist.
Root Canal Treatment Procedure
Are you curious about root canal treatment? Maybe you’ve heard about it before and might be wondering what the procedure actually entails. Well, wonder no more – here is the procedure of the entire treatment.
Step 1: Examination and Numbing the area
Before the procedure begins, your dentist will examine your teeth to determine if you are a good candidate. They will then numb the area around the affected tooth with local anesthesia. This ensures that you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
Step 2: Accessing the Pulp
After the tooth is numb, the dentist or endodontist will create a small access hole in the top of the tooth. This allows them to reach the pulp chamber and root canals of the tooth. They will then use specialized tools to remove the damaged pulp from inside the tooth.
Step 3: Cleaning and Shaping the Root Canals
The dentist will use small files to clean and shape the root canals of the tooth. This is a vital step, as it ensures that all the infected or damaged tissue is removed and the canal is ready for filling material.
Step 4: Filling the Root Canals
After the canals have been cleaned as well as shaped, the dentist or endodontist will fill them with a special filling material called gutta-percha. This material seals the root canals and prevents bacteria from entering the tooth.
Step 5: Sealing the Access Hole
Once the root canals have been filled, the dentist or endodontist will seal the access hole with a temporary filling. This protects the tooth until a permanent restoration, such as a crown, can be placed.
Step 6: Restoration
After a few weeks, the temporary filling is removed and replaced with a permanent restoration, such as a crown or filling. This ensures that the tooth is fully restored and can function normally.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
1. Pain relief
One of the main benefits of root canal therapy is pain relief. When a tooth is infected or inflamed, it can cause intense pain and discomfort. Root canal therapy removes the infected or inflamed pulp, which can provide immediate relief.
2. Saves your natural tooth
Root canal therapy is often used as an alternative to tooth extraction. By removing the infected or damaged pulp and replacing it with a filling material, the tooth can be saved and continue to function normally.
3. Restores normal chewing and biting function
A damaged or infected tooth can make it difficult to eat and speak normally. Root canal therapy can restore normal chewing and biting function, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and speak with confidence.
4. Cosmetic benefits
Root canal therapy can also have cosmetic benefits. By removing the damaged pulp and filling the tooth, the appearance of the tooth can be improved, making your smile more attractive.
After Care Practices for Root Canal Therapy
You’ve just undergone a successful root canal treatment, and your tooth is on the road to recovery. Now that the procedure is complete, it’s essential to take proper care of your tooth to ensure it heals correctly and remains healthy. Here are some key aftercare practices you should follow to ensure a successful recovery.
- Practice good oral hygiene.
It’s paramount to practice good oral hygiene habits after the procedure. Brush twice a day and floss once a day, being gentle around the treated tooth.
- Attend follow-up appointments
Your dentist will schedule another appointment to check on your tooth’s progress. Be sure to attend this appointment and any others that your dentist schedules. It’s important to monitor the healing process and catch any potential issues early.
- Avoid Chewing Hard Foods
After root canal treatment, the tooth may be temporarily weakened. Therefore, it’s important to avoid chewing hard foods for a few days. Stick to soft foods, such as soups, yogurt, and smoothies, until the tooth has fully healed.
- Don’t delay getting a crown or filling.
After a root canal treatment, your tooth may be weaker and more prone to damage. A crown or filling will help protect the tooth and prevent further decay or damage.
Contact our Dentist in Wantirna for Quality Root Canal Therapy
For effective treatment of tooth decay and infection, root canal therapy is often necessary. Seeking professional dental advice is the most effective way to improve oral health and protect tooth structure. Visit us at Bayswater Dentist and consult with our dentist in Wantirna. They will examine your teeth and recommend the best treatment.