A root canal is a dental procedure used to fix a damaged tooth. This treatment is necessary when decay or infection reaches the innermost part of the tooth. This part of the tooth houses the pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
A root canal may be needed for several reasons. A tooth may be experiencing a severe infection of the nerve. It may have had an injury to the nerve, and the pain is unbearable. Lastly, a root canal may be needed for cosmetic reasons as well.
What happens during a root canal procedure?
During a root canal, your dentist will remove the infected pulp tissue. This is done by administering local anesthesia to numb the infected tooth and the surrounding tissues. Next, a tiny hole will be made in the tooth, and the infected pulp will be removed using dental files. The root canal cavity will be cleaned thoroughly using a jet of water and scrubbing the walls of the cavity. The tooth will then be reinforced and restored using a dental crown to keep it from cracking or crumbling.
For most root canal procedures, you should expect your visit to take around 1-2 hours. However, if additional procedures need to be done, you may need to spend an additional 30-60 minutes in the dental chair. At the end of your visit, your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to check on your progress and check that the infection has healed.
Is the procedure painful?
Root canals, like other dental procedures, can be painful, especially when your teeth and gums are infected. However, your dentist can provide sedation to help alleviate the pain. In more severe cases, your dentist may recommend a root canal treatment over extraction to preserve the natural tooth rather than replacing it with a prosthetic.
Will I need a crown after the root canal?
After a root canal, your tooth may be more brittle and prone to fractures. It’s common for patients to have a crown placed after a root canal. A crown is a “cap” that covers your entire tooth. Your crown will be custom-made just for you! The crown will be made from an impression or mold of your tooth. This process usually takes 2 to 3 weeks.
To find out more about the dental services offered at Cochise Caring Dentistry, call (520)-458-1989 or schedule an online consultation. You can Visit us at 66 North Garden Ave, Sierra Vista, AZ
