Many of us are familiar with Root canal treatment. You feel discomfort and anxiety when you undergo any medical procedure and don’t know what will happen. Here I have come up with a step-by-step guide for a root canal treatment. If your tooth develops specific types of concerns, then you should go for a root canal treatment.
Here is what you can expect in a root canal treatment:
Step 1: Preparing the infected area
Your dentist will begin by numbing the infected area and injecting it to make it fully numb. He will place a dental dam in your mouth to segregate the tooth from the rest so the treatment can begin.
Step 2: Accessing and Cleaning the Roots
Your dentist will drill through the infected tooth to reach out to the root canals. This drilling will also reach the pulp chamber. There are specific tools that a dentist uses for cleansing the tooth; by cleaning out canals and pulp, your tooth will be disinfected. Moreover, your dentist will apply an antibacterial solution to sanitize the canals.
Step 3: Shaping the Canals
The dentist will precisely shape your canals, and after shaping them up, he once again cleans them. He will use tiny and delicate tools to clean and shape the canals.
Step 4: Filling the Canals Gutta-percha
Now, it’s time to seal the cleaned canals. To form a tight seal, the dentist will heat and compress a rubber-like material against the walls of the canals. A tighter compressed seal will prevent the bacteria from entering. Sticky cement is applied there to secure the seal as best as possible.
Step 5: Filling the Access Hole
Initially, the dentist drilled a hole to access the canals; now, it’s time to fill that hole by sealing it to keep germs and bacteria away.
Step 6: Placing the Crown
The teeth that go through significant damage need a crown as the Crown equips your teeth with due strength so you can bite and chew ideally. A crown is designed precisely, so it goes perfectly well with your existing teeth.
Step 7: Healing and Antibiotics
Now your dentist side does the detailed treatment of a root canal; after this, you will be given some antibiotics. Your dentist will brief you shortly about the post-care instructions. Feeling a little discomfort for the next few days after root canal treatment is normal.
Is the Root Canal a Painful Treatment?
In recent years, things have improved; gone are the days when Root canal treatment was an ultimate nightmare. With the latest technology and up-to-the-minute dental anesthesia, root canal treatment has been made the least painful.
When Do You Need a Root Canal Treatment?
You need a root canal treatment when your tooth gets damaged and the pulp infects. In many cases, some patients feel great discomfort and pain too.
Why Do Teeth and Pulp Get Infected?
Multiple factors turn the teeth and pulp infected, and they end up getting a root canal treatment. Some common reasons for damaged teeth and pulp are:
- Cracked tooth
- Repeated dental processes in the same area
- Deep decay
What Are the Symptoms of Tooth Pulp Infection?
The symptoms you may experience are:
- Extreme toothache feeling of discomfort to hot and cold temperatures
- Difficulty in chewing and biting due to pain
- Swollen gums
- Tender gums around the affected tooth
- Discolored teeth
- Pus around the tooth
- A constant bad taste in the mouth
- Swelling on the face in severe cases
A root canal is a comparatively simple dental procedure; knowing the details and steps will make you feel less scared as you will be mentally prepared! It is highly suggested not to show any negligence, as it will increase the pain and cause more damage to your teeth.
