Everything You Need To Know About Endodontic Root Canal Treatment

Katherine Thomas Treatment

Root canal therapy is used to fix a badly damaged and infected tooth. Sometimes, the soft tissue inside the root canal referred to as the pulp is inflamed. If an inflamed pulp is left untreated, it causes pain or even abscess. During the root canal process, the inflamed pulp is removed and the inside of a tooth is cleaned and disinfected to prevent infection from cropping up again.

The tooth is then filled and sealed. Root canal procedure is done under the following cases –

  • Severe tooth pain while eating
  • Cracked or chipped tooth
  • Constant sensitivity to cold and hot food items
  • Tender gums
  • Deep decay

If you are affected by any of the above symptoms, it is time to contact a dentist. Waiting too long to get it checked may result in loss of the tooth. Only your dentist can determine if you are in need of root canal. If you are looking for a reliable College Station dentist, your search ends at Cashion Dental. Their team of dentists provides comprehensive dental care.

Root canal procedure:

Your tooth will be examined by the dentist. If he/she suspects you require root canal, an X-ray will be taken to determine what causes your dental problem. If your dental problem turns out to be quite severe, you will be recommended to get the procedure done. You will then be administered local anesthesia to numb your tooth. The tooth is isolated by placing a protective sheet referred as ‘dental dam’ so as to keep the affected tooth away from saliva. An opening is made on the tooth’s crown.

Small instruments are employed to clean the pulp and make way for the filling. Most of the time, a temporary filling is used to cover the opening. Since the nerve tissue is removed, the patient doesn’t anymore feel pain. The tooth will, however, be fragile because of the removal of nerve tissue. Until the filling or crown is complete, it is advisable to chew only soft food. The entire procedure is usually done in 2 or 3 appointments with each appointment lasting up to 90 minutes.

After-care:

  • Good oral hygiene must be practiced
  • Make regular dentist appointment to get your teeth checked
  • Stay away from chewing hard food until you have it restored

Few experience sensitivity, inflammation and swelling for a few days after the procedure. It is important to attend your follow-up appointment even if you don’t face any issues.