Root canals, also known as endodontic therapy, may seem like an extremely invasive procedure and lead to anxiety within the patient, but it is a relatively simple procedure that is easy for a dentist to complete.
By understanding exactly what you need to know about root canals, you can feel confident that it is safe on the day of the procedure.
As mentioned, a root canal, which is a dental procedure to replace infected pulp in an infected tooth, is a relatively simple procedure for an experienced dentist.
The following are four things to know about root canals before a procedure.
A root canal is an easy procedure for a dentist and happens in four steps.
In many instances, the entire procedure can be completed within one trip to the dentist. However, it may require additional visits to finish the root canal, especially if a crown is needed after the operation.
In many instances, a simple filling is enough to give the tooth that was operated on the support it needs to look, function and feel like normal.
However, in some instances, the dentist has to place a crown around the tooth. The crown serves various purposes, and the exact goal of the crown is different for each patient.
In general, a dental crown is placed after a root canal to either ensure the tooth is not at risk of future infections, to restore the cosmetic appearance of the tooth or to give the tooth added strength, which helps when chewing.
One of the most prominent fears patients have when going into a root canal for the first time is that the process is going to be painful. However, in almost every single instance the patient is placed under local anesthesia, and the affected area is numbed, which means the patient does not fill a thing during the actual procedure.
While there may be some residual pain after the operation, it is entirely manageable with proper rest and painkillers. In the event a crown needs to be placed on a future visit, the patient may have to watch what they eat as well, but the pain is always at a minimum throughout the process.
If the idea of having a root canal performed terrifies you, there are certain things you can do to avoid a root canal from ever being needed.
In essence, proper preventive techniques involve proper dental hygiene. First and foremost, be sure to brush your teeth and floss frequently. For even better results, use a fluoride-based toothpaste and mouthwash to prevent enamel from being weakened.
Also, in the event, you begin to suffer from tooth sensitivity or any other dental problems, be sure to see the dentist as soon as possible.
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