If you’ve been told you need a root canal, you may feel a little nervous. But don’t worry, root canal treatment is a routine procedure in dentistry that can relieve certain types of dental pain and help your teeth last longer. As you learn more about this beneficial procedure, you’ll understand why it’s necessary and how it will leave you much better off than ever before
What is a root canal?
Dentists use the term “Root Canal Removal Tampa” when referring to the small, narrow canals that branch from a space in the center of the tooth (called the pulp chamber) down to the ends of the tooth roots. “Root canal treatment” is the procedure used to save the tooth if the soft tissue in the center (called the pulp) becomes acutely inflamed or infected.
Why do I need a root canal?
If the tooth’s pulp becomes acutely inflamed or infected—from an injury or decay, for example—it will be necessary to remove the tissue in order to save the tooth and prevent the infection from spreading further. Adults don’t really need the pulp; its main use is to help in the development of teeth during childhood.
Is there an alternative?
Your entire tooth may be removed, but it’s always best to try to save it, especially since root canal treatment is a common procedure and has a high success rate (over 90%). Saving the tooth can prevent other problems from occurring in the future. These include bite problems due to changes in the position of the teeth, difficulty eating and loss of density and volume of the jaws.
Is root canal treatment painful?
The procedure usually causes the same discomfort as a filling. Root canal treatment gets a bad rap, but it’s not deserved. In this case, it is the disease that is to blame, not the cure. In other words, the infections that make treatment necessary are often painful because they inflame tissue that has many nerves and is therefore very sensitive. Root canal treatment relieves this pain!
What happens during the procedure?
After numbing the area, a small hole is made in the tooth to access the pulp chamber and canals. Diseased tissue is removed, and the pulp chamber and canals are disinfected all the way down to the root ends. The teeth in the front of the mouth have a single root and usually a single canal; posterior teeth have two or three roots and usually three or four canals. These canals and the pulp chamber are filled with an inert biocompatible material and sealed with an adhesive cement. The access hole receives a temporary fill.
What happens next?
Your tooth may be sensitive for a few days, but any discomfort can usually be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen. It will be explained to you that you should avoid chewing on that tooth until the permanent filling is placed, which can be done in a few days. Depending on how damaged the tooth was originally, you may or may not need a full crown. The dentist will discuss those options with you.
How can I avoid having to have a root canal in the future?
Brush and floss every day to keep your teeth cavity-free. Follow a healthy diet low in sugars and avoid acidic beverages, such as sodas. Attend your regular cleanings and check-ups. If you play sports, consider purchasing a custom mouth guard to protect your teeth from possible injury.