Several years ago I decided to take a trip to the dentist after skipping multiple appointments for over 15 years. I truly had a dental anxiety and had a hard time getting over my fears. Thankfully, my dental visit went smoothly with only four cavities identified. What I did find from this dental visit was that there was a great deal of new information and technology that I had been missing out on. Laser-based technology and digital imaging are just a few examples. With this blog, I want you to understand that you can get over your fears and learn about this new technology like I did, so enjoy the information.
A root canal treatment is an endodontic procedure that is used to alleviate the pain of a damaged or infected tooth. It also ensures that the infected material is removed from the tooth, reducing the chance that the infection will spread.
If your dentist has recommended a root canal treatment for one of your teeth, you may know little about the procedure and may be a bit concerned that the treatment will be uncomfortable.
Here is a little information about root canal treatments to help you better understand what to expect from them.
Why Does a Root Canal Treatment Alleviate Pain?
A root canal treatment is a therapeutic procedure that is used to treat a tooth with a damaged or infected pulp layer. The pulp layer of the tooth is at the tooth's center. It is the innermost layer of the tooth material and is where the dental nerves and blood vessels reside. When the pulp becomes inflamed from trauma or infection, the nerves within the material also experience inflammation, leading to pain and discomfort.
During a root canal procedure, the pulp is removed. As a result, the pain from the tooth is alleviated because the inflamed nerves have been extracted.
How Does the Dentist Perform a Root Canal Treatment?
During a root canal procedure, the dentist:
Sometimes, the dentist caps the tooth with a temporary crown if the permanent crown has not yet been completed by the dental lab. However, the permanent crown is often ready within a couple of weeks. Many people prefer a tooth-colored crown after a root canal so that the restored tooth looks as natural as possible.
What Should You Expect After a Root Canal Treatment?
Once the treatment is complete, you should experience no discomfort from the actual tooth. However, the gums around the treated tooth may be a little sore.
Your dentist may ask you to refrain from eating until the anesthesia wears off. Nevertheless, with the dental crown in place, the tooth is protected and ready to withstand the bite pressure associated with mastication.
To learn more about root canal treatments, schedule a consultation at a clinic like Cottonwood Dental in your local area.
Share23 July 2021
