Root canal treatment is a dental technique that involves removing the damaged tissue and nerves from inside the tooth’s root canal system to save a damaged or infected tooth. Your doctor may recommend the treatment if your tooth’s pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma. If left untreated, the infection can attack the surrounding tissues and lead to serious dental problems. Root canals Marion can help alleviate pain and discomfort and save the tooth from extraction, restoring function and aesthetics to the affected area.
When to consider root canal treatment
Your Cottage Grove Dental Care provider may recommend a root canal if your tooth’s pulp is infected or damaged. The pulp is the soft material inside your tooth, containing a network of nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp is infected or damaged due to deep decay, or trauma to the tooth, it can lead to pain, swelling, and infection. You may need root canal treatment to save your tooth in such cases. If you experience persistent tooth pain or sensitivity, especially when drinking hot or cold drinks, it may indicate an underlying dental issue that requires attention. Additionally, if you notice discoloration or swelling around your tooth or have a recurring bump on your gums, you inform your dentist.
What to expect during the procedure
Root canal treatment involves extracting the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting your root canals, and then filling them with a special material. The procedure often requires one or two visits, depending on the case’s complexity. During your first visit, your dentist will numb the affected tooth and surrounding area with local anesthesia. They will then make a small hole in the top of your tooth and use special instruments to remove the damaged or infected pulp. Afterward, the team will clean and prepare your root canals for filling. They may place temporary filling into the root canals to protect your tooth until the next visit. During your second visit, they will replace the temporary filling with a permanent material. Finally, your doctor may place a crown on top of the tooth to protect it and restore its function.
What to expect during recovery
After a root canal treatment, you may experience discomfort, swelling, and sensitivity for a few days because the procedure involves removing damaged tissue inside the tooth, which can cause inflammation. Your dentist may prescribe pain medications to manage pain and discomfort. They may also advise you to avoid chewing on the treated tooth and stick to soft foods for a few days.
It is normal to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures after a root canal procedure, but it should gradually diminish over time. It would be best to continue practicing good oral hygiene habits to ensure that the treated tooth remains healthy. Follow-up appointments with your dentist are important to monitor the progress of the healing process and ensure that the tooth is fully restored.
For more information about root canal treatment, call the Cottage Grove Dental Care office or book an appointment online.
