Have you been told by your dentist that you need a root canal? Read on to learn about the importance of getting this treatment in a timely manner. There is no good reason to delay getting a root canal. Still, many people end up doing just that due to reasons like a fear of dentists or of getting dental treatments. The thing is, there is no getting around a tooth that needs a root canal. The damage or infection will not go away on its own, and the pain it causes will only intensify over time.
Wait long enough, and the dentist might not be able to save the tooth with root canal therapy. An extraction might be needed due to the infection spreading and threatening to get into other parts of the body, which can be life-threatening.
One of the most common reasons people avoid getting the dental treatments they need is a fear of dentists. People with such fears typically avoid getting routine preventative treatments and restorative procedures they need until the discomfort and pain caused by their issue is too intense to be ignored.
Root canals are often recommended when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed. They are also used to treat active infections. The treatment involves removing soft tissues in the pulp chamber of the tooth, which gets rid of any bacteria.
The pulp chamber is the innermost layer of a tooth, and it holds the tooth’s nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. It is sealed off from the rest of the tooth, so irritants in the mouth do not get to the soft tissues stored there. However, severe decay or damage can open this inner chamber up, leaving its contents vulnerable to infection. A root canal prevents and treats the infection.
Root canal therapy starts with the dental professional injecting the patient with a local anesthetic to numb the area being worked on. A dental drill is used to make a hole in the damaged tooth, and files are used to extract the soft tissues in the pulp chamber and clean it. Medication is inserted into the tooth before sealing it with a rubbery material known as gutta-percha. The tooth is then rebuilt using composite bonding or covered with a crown.
There is no recovery period after getting a root canal. Over-the-counter painkillers can be used to address any discomfort experienced afterward, but most patients do not report any. The tooth might be sore for a few days after the procedure, but the toothache that sent the patient running to the nearest dentist should be gone at that point.
Here are answers to some of the questions patients might have about root canals:
Patients might feel some tenderness in the area worked on for a few days after getting a root canal. Some people also report soreness in the jaw due to keeping their mouth open for the procedure. Any discomfort caused by a root canal typically goes away in a few days. Over-the-counter painkillers are usually enough to address any discomfort. Severe pain that goes on for more than a day after getting a root canal might be a sign of a dilemma that needs to be treated by a dentist.
Root canal therapy takes anywhere between 45 to 90 minutes for each tooth being treated. Some dentists perform the entire procedure during a single visit, while others prefer to break it up into two treatments so they can disinfect the tooth being treated twice.
Root canal therapy is typically recommended when a tooth has a compromised pulp chamber due to damage or decay. It is also used to heal infected teeth. Some of the signs a person might need a root canal include:
Root canal therapy often allows you to save severely damaged or decayed teeth. Give us a call or come to our Snellville clinic to set up an appointment with our dental team.
Request an appointment here: https://www.northroadfamilydental.com or call North Road Family Dental at 7702849171 for an appointment in our Snellville office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal Treatment in Snellville, GA.
Almost everyone understands the importance behind brushing your teeth and the role tooth enamel plays in preventative dentistry and maintaining dental health.However, many underestimate the unique quality that enamel has and don’t have a complete understanding of how enamel works, which in return makes it far more difficult to take the necessary precautions to ensure…
Any oral issue that leaves you in severe pain counts as a dental emergency. Toothaches are your body’s way of letting you know something is wrong in your mouth. A severe toothache is a good indicator that the problem in your mouth is serious enough to require urgent care.A dental emergency requires immediate care. Waiting…
For dental emergencies, people can go to an emergency dentist or an emergency room. However, several things should be considered before deciding where to seek medical help. Just like any other medical emergency, dental emergencies also require different levels of care. This depends on their severity. The ideal place to go for treatment when you…
In most serious situations, an emergency dentist is the right person to turn to for your oral health. Ignoring a dental emergency can have drastic effects on your overall wellness. Thankfully, a dentist practicing emergency care will have the knowledge and training to restore your smile and the function of your mouth. In cases where…
A chipped tooth can occur in several different ways. This damage can also come in…
Understanding more about wisdom tooth extraction and why it is necessary is a great idea.
A chipped tooth can lead to an infection. The soft tissue inside your mouth is…
Dentists commonly recommend dental crowns to protect teeth that have become structurally damaged due to…
Here are some factors that may help a person determine whether to visit a hospital…
Your good dental health is important, and that makes it necessary to find a dental…
