Being anxious about getting root canal treatment for the first time is natural. It can lead to apprehension about what lies ahead, but it’s much easier to relax if you know what to expect from your appointment.
So, what exactly is root canal therapy, and what can you expect from a root canal therapy appointment? Read on to learn more about root canal therapy, including its definition, its process, and the possible reasons you might require it.
Root Canal Therapy
During root canal procedures, the infected pulp is surgically extracted. When any infection or decay has been removed from the root structure, the root is sealed with a protective filling (a standard dental procedure).
Indications You Need an Endodontic Treatment
If you experience the following symptoms, you may require a root canal treatment. When a patient needs a root canal, the following symptoms are commonly encountered:
- Persistent discomfort:Persistent tooth discomfort indicates that you require this treatment. It can feel like discomfort in the tooth’s underlying bone.
- Temperature sensitivity: You require treatment if you experience pain when consuming cold or warm foods and beverages.
- Swollen gums:Near the painful tooth, swollen gums may indicate a problem that requires treatment.
What Occurs During Root Canal Treatment?
These consultations are painless for the patient. Here are the steps below:
· The First Consultation
The first consultation is where the bulk of the work will be done. The first thing a dentist does is numb the tooth. Once the anesthetic has taken effect, the dentist will apply a dental dam to protect the area. The dental dam also prevents saliva from getting into the tooth being treated.
The dentist will drill into the tooth to access the pulp. The dentist removes the pulp from the tooth using a small file. The root’s interior chambers are then shaped using the file. Any remaining pulp is scrubbed out of the area. The dentist may additionally rinse the section with an antibacterial solution to eliminate lingering bacteria.
The chamber is then filled after being dried with a material similar to rubber that replaces cellulose. The access opening drilled by the dentist is also filled. The dentist then obtains an impression of the tooth so that, if necessary, a crown can be fabricated. A crown might not be required if the root canal was on a front tooth. However, rear teeth typically require crowns to withstand intense chewing forces.
· After The Initial Consultation
After the initial visit, patients return home to recover. Most patients do not feel much distress. Avoid applying excessive force to the restored tooth until the permanent restoration has been placed. During this period, it is recommended that patients chew on the opposite side of their mouth.
· The Second Appointment
The patient returns to the dentist’s facility three weeks later to receive the permanent crown. The dentist will insert a post into the root chamber if the tooth cannot sustain the crown. The crown is then affixed to the tooth. If necessary, the dentist modifies the crown to fit securely and not affect the bite.
Do You Require A Root Canal?
Root canal therapy typically requires two visits to the dentist. Your dentist will replace the diseased or injured pulp with a filling material during the initial session. A mould will be taken of your mouth to create a custom crown. Be gentle with your newly treated tooth until you obtain your permanent crown. After waiting a few weeks, you will return to the dentist to have the permanent restoration glued.
Conclusion
Your dentist will schedule a second appointment for you after your root canal therapy is finished so that they can remove the temporary filling and permanently restore your tooth. Root canals do not require recovery time because patients can resume their regular eating habits immediately.
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