What You Should Know About Root Canal Therapy

If one of your teeth becomes very decayed, often the infection can spread into the center of your tooth and become very painful for you

. When this happens, generally the only way that your tooth can be saved is through a root canal procedure. There is a negative stigma surrounding root canal procedures that they are extremely painful and unpleasant. However, most patients report about the same level of pain during a root canal as during a normal filling procedure. If you have a nagging toothache, don't hesitate to visit your Lafayette dentist as soon as you can.

How Root Canals Are Performed

The first step in a root canal procedure, like all dental procedures, is to have a conversation with your dentist. He or she will be able to diagnose your problem and prescribe effective treatment for you. Most likely, an X-ray will be taken to examine the extent of the decay and determine if a root canal is necessary. If it is, your dentist will begin by anesthetizing your tooth and drilling a small access hole into the center of the tooth. Using root canal files, your dentist will clear out all of the infected material from the inside of your tooth. Water and a special chemical will also be used to flush out any of the remaining material from your inner tooth. After this is complete, your dentist will have to seal the inside of your tooth where the pulp used to be with a sealer paste and a rubber compound.

After sealing the tooth, your dentist will next install a filling into the access hole that was drilled at the beginning of the procedure. The final step of the procedure usually includes your dentist installing a restoration onto your tooth. This is because the combination of the root canal procedure itself and years of decay can make your tooth very unstable. Your dentist will usually use a dental crown to add stability to your tooth and complete the procedure.

What To Expect Following A Root Canal Procedure

After your root canal is finished, it is normal to experience a mild level of pain. You can treat this with an over the counter pain medication such as Tylenol or ibuprofen. After the procedure is completed, it is usually recommended that you rest comfortably for the remainder of the day at home. Most people are able to return to school or work the next day. Once the root canal is completed, your tooth will remain strong and healthy for as long as you take care of your oral health.

To learn more about root canal procedures or to schedule an appointment, contact your dentist in Lafayette as soon as you can.

by: Gen Wright

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