Dental Procedures: Root Canal

A root canal is a repair to save a tooth that has become infected or decayed. The procedure consists of removing the nerve and pulp while the inside of the tooth is cleaned out, disinfected, and sealed. If treatment is not done when the tooth becomes infected, the tooth could turn into an abscess. Not having treatment can cause swelling and infection in the face known as cellulitis or can cause drainage problems within the root of the tooth.

It is possible to remove the tooth, but doing so could cause your teeth to shift and move. It could also cause a problem with chewing and biting. If you chose to have the tooth removed, an artificial tooth could be implanted but would not be as beneficial in chewing as your real tooth would be.

To decide if you need a root canal or not, your dentist will do an examination with x-rays. After deciding that you need a root canal, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic. A sheet of latex, known as a rubber dam, will be put around the tooth to keep it clean and dry during the treatment.

An opening is then made in the crown of the tooth. The pulp is removed from the chamber and root canal. Tiny instruments called files are used to clean the root and will shape the root to make sure the seal will stick and seal. A temporary filling is put into the opened tooth to protect the tooth between dental visits. The filling also prevents bacteria from setting in until you can get back in to have a permanent filling put in. Remember that your temporary filling is susceptible to fracture. Therefore you want to avoid biting or chewing until after your tooth is filled in.

Even with the pulp removed and the seal in place, the tooth is still very much alive. You will still be able to brush your teeth regularly and eat and drink normally. If proper hygiene is done, the tooth has a ninety-five percent success rate.

When you are sent home after your root canal is done, there are some complications that you need to be aware of. These include:

Soreness may be experienced and may be due to the injection, the chore of having to keep your mouth open for so long, or the overall treatment of the root canal.

If you have any pain, take Tylenol or Ibuprofen. If you still have pain after taking over-the-counter medication, then get in touch with your dentist.

After your root canal is over, your dentist will continue to monitor you until you are one-hundred percent better. At future appointments, you will have more x-rays to make sure the tooth and filling are healing.