Root Canals - Not As Scary As You May Think

20 November 2014
 Categories: Dentist, Blog


If your dentist has recommended that you get a root canal, your first reaction may be one of fear. There have been many myths over the years about the pain associated with getting a root canal. In actuality, the pain of a root canal is similar to that of getting a filling. Dentists and endodontists have come a long way in making their patients comfortable when having a root canal procedure done. Here is some information that may ease your mind, explaining what having a root canal will do for you and how it will be done.

What Is A Root Canal?

A root canal is the process of having infected pulp in the root area of your mouth, replaced with another material, allowing the tooth to stay in place. There are many reasons why the pulp in the root area can become infected. Having a lot of work done on one tooth can be the reason.

It can happen from tooth decay or gum disease. It could also be the result of damage to the tooth which results in a crack. The bacteria that causes the infection will need to be removed during a root canal procedure.

How Is A Root Canal Done?

When you go to your root canal appointment, you will first have anesthesia administered so that you will not feel pain from the procedure. A thin vinyl sheeting will be placed over your mouth, and the tooth that is being repaired will be pushed through a hole in the sheet so it is separated from the rest of your teeth, leaving it in a sterile environment during the process.

A small hole will be drilled in the back of the tooth being repaired so that the pulp and root area is exposed for the endodontist or dentist to work with. The dead pulp will be removed from the chambers of the root area. This will allow your tooth to no longer feel any pain. The chambers will be flushed out with an antiseptic solution and will be filled in with a rubber like material. This will be coupled with a sealant so that bacteria cannot come back inside the area.

A temporary filling material will be adhered to the hole that was drilled so that the root structure is no longer exposed. You would then need to heal from the process, using antibiotics and aspirin to keep away infection. After healing, a crown or a permanent filling will need to be placed over the existing tooth, covering the hole completely.

To learn more, contact a company like Washington Township Dental Associates with any questions or concerns you may have.


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