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ROOT CANAL
WHAT IS A ROOT CANAL PROCEDURE
Root canals are a common dental procedure that are recommended by dentists when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or damaged. The pulp is the soft tissue inside a tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and other cells. When this tissue becomes infected, a root canal is the best option to treat the problem and save the tooth. The root canal procedure involves cleaning out the infected pulp and replacing it with a filling material. Root canals typically take one to two visits to complete. The first visit involves taking x-rays and cleaning out the infected pulp. The second visit involves filling and sealing the tooth.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, is a dental procedure designed to treat infection and decay at the centre of the tooth. The objective of this treatment is to save the tooth, while preventing the spread of infection. Since decay occurred on the inside of the tooth, the damaged pulp is removed from the center of the tooth. The root canal is then thoroughly cleaned of all bacteria. Finally, the tooth is re-filled with an artificial substance and sealed with a permanent filling. During the procedure, the dentist will remove the pulp, clean and shape the root canals, and then fill and seal the space. This helps to prevent further infection and damage. The procedure is recommended for anyone who has an infected or damaged tooth.
ARE ROOT CANALS PAINFUL?
Root canals are a common and effective dental procedure that can help to save a tooth and prevent further damage. A root canal treatment is not painful, but patients can expect mild discomfort after the procedure. Your dentist will use local anaesthetic to numb the area before the procedure, and you should not feel any pain during the procedure. After a root canal, your should take care to brush and floss regularly, and visit the dentist for routine dental check-ups.
MY DENTIST RECOMMENDED A ROOT CANAL - SHOULD I WORRY?
While a lack of knowledge in local anaesthetics together with old techniques, materials, and equipment historically made this procedure painful, general dental knowledge and techniques have since advanced significantly. Through mastering local anaesthetics and using sophisticated equipment, the root canal procedure has become pain-free, has a much higher success rate, and is much easier to tolerate. Root canals are not painful, but they can be uncomfortable. Patients can expect some mild discomfort after a root canal, such as sensitivity to hot and cold. However, this should subside within a few days. With proper after-care, a root canal can help to restore the patient’s oral health and save their natural tooth. The alternative to a root canal is to extract the tooth. However, this can lead to other problems such as shifting teeth and jawbone deterioration.