Main Stages of Root Canal Treatment Procedure
A root canal therapy treats infection in the tooth pulp. The pulp chamber is the soft tissue inside the tooth that houses nerves and blood vessels. If it becomes infected, it can damage the tooth. A root canal is a surgical procedure that involves removing the inflamed or infected pulp chamber and root canals of the tooth. The pulp chamber is sealed with a material that will seal the damaged area and prevent the spread of bacteria.
How Can You Know You Need a Root Canal?
The pulp can get infected with bacterial infection, injury, or repeated dental procedures. Some of the first signs of a need for a root canal include sudden and severe tooth pain, severe tooth sensitivity, or an abscessed tooth. When a tooth is abscessed, it is typically caused by a buildup of bacteria that can eventually become so severe that it begins to infect the surrounding tissue.
Other symptoms include swelling and possibly some discoloration. It is crucial to see a root canal dentist near you as soon as possible to prevent any further damage to the affected tooth.
The Root Canal Procedure
The root canal procedure is done in a few steps, which include:
Stage 1: Examination and Local Anesthesia
The first step to having an endodontic procedure is a comprehensive assessment of the teeth and gums with an x-ray. Our dentist in McKinney, TX, will lightly numb the area around the tooth using a local anesthetic or numbing solution. Dental sedation can also relax you and keep you calm during the procedure.
Stage 2: Drilling and Removing the Infected Tissue
The dentist will then gently drill a hole in the tooth and gently scrapes away any remaining unhealthy and infected tissue. After the pulpal tissue is removed, the cavity in the tooth will need to be cleaned of all bacteria. The area is then rinsed thoroughly with a special cleaning solution and dried.
Stage 3: Dental Dam
After cleaning the tooth’s canals, the dentist will apply a dental dam in the tooth to seal the chamber. The gutta-percha is biocompatible, meaning it is gentle on the gums or causes any effects.
Stage 4: Restoration
The removal of the pulp cavity will cause the tooth to weaken, and the dentist will use a temporary filling to strengthen it. The temporary filling is used as the dentist makes the permanent crown to restore the appearance and strengthen the teeth.
Once the tooth has been treated, you will wait for a couple of days before they can eat solid foods and return for the next appointment. At the next appointment, the tooth will be examined to ensure no infection is present, and the dentist will make a permanent filling that will match the tooth’s color. The dentist will fix the dental crown and harden it with light.
What Happens After the Root Canal Procedure?
After the root canal procedure, you will be in pain for a few days and might be sensitive to hot or cold. Take care of the teeth by not chewing on them or brushing the treated tooth in the first few hours.
Swelling, bleeding, and soreness are also some of the side effects that you can experience. You can take the prescribed medications to ease the discomfort and prevent infection.
Root Canal Aftercare Instructions
Follow these root canal aftercare instructions to fasten the recovery and prevent complications:
- Take it easy for at least ten days and avoid strenuous activities.
- Do not brush or use the tooth to clean the area.
- Use ice packs to ease pain and reduce swelling.
- Avoid putting anything hard in the mouth and eat soft food for a couple of days.
- Do not rinse the tooth with any liquid for 24 hours.
- Check with your dentist for any signs of infection.
Schedule an Appointment
Call or schedule an appointment with Arte Dental – McKinney for more information about root canal therapy in McKinney, TX, and what you can do to prevent them.