If you require a root canal, you’ve come to the right place. Our dedicated team at Dental Associates of Basking Ridge is prepared to help reduce any anxiety you may have about the root canal treatment. Please continue reading as we explain the process step by step, so you feel fully prepared when you arrive for your appointment.
What is a Root Canal?
First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that a root canal is a dental procedure performed to treat infection within a tooth. The dentist will go in and clean out the damaged or infected pulp. It’s a common and effective way to save your natural tooth instead of just pulling it out. Essentially, this procedure gets rid of the infection, stops the pain and discomfort, and avoids extraction.
Generally, when the inside of your tooth develops an infection or is inflamed, it’s advisable to have a root canal. Dentists usually recommend this procedure when you have deep cavities, a cracked or chipped tooth, have had a tooth fixed too many times, or if you’ve experienced some sort of trauma to the tooth.
It’s important to keep an eye out for these signs: serious tooth aches, feeling sensitive to hot or cold stuff, swollen or sore gums, your tooth looking darker, or a little bump on your gums that looks like a pimple (that’s an abscess). These could signal it’s time for a root canal.
What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?
It’s understandable to feel nervous about a root canal, especially if it’s your first time. However, knowing what to expect and understanding the steps involved can significantly help in calming your fears. A root canal usually only takes one or two appointments, wrapping up in 60-90 minutes based on the complexity. However, bear in mind that some may take multiple visits to complete, particularly those involving molars.
The dental procedure will begin with numbing the affected area using a local anesthetic to guarantee that the procedure is comfortable and without pain. Following this, the dentist will drill a small opening into the tooth to gain entry to address the infected pulp.
The next stage involves removing the infected pulp. The damaged tissue is meticulously extracted, and the root canals are sanitized and shaped. This is achieved by carefully clearing and basically disinfecting the tooth’s interior. This helps get rid of bacteria and prevents the infection from recurring.
Once cleaned, the canals are sealed with a biocompatible material. This defends against future infections, and the tooth is then repaired with either a temporary or lasting filling, and often a dental crown is placed as an additional shield.
Schedule your appointment with Dental Associates of Basking Ridge today. You can rely on our dental team for all your root canal therapy needs.
