subject: What You Should Know About Root Canal Procedures And How They Can Help You [print this page] When you have a tooth that is severely decayed, often the decay can spread into the center of your tooth and cause you a significant amount of pain. When this occurs, many times the only way that your tooth can be saved is through a root canal procedure. There is a negative stereotype associated with root canals that they are very painful. However, thanks to advances in dental technology, root canal procedures are not a painful experience. If you are experiencing a nagging toothache, don't hesitate to visit your Carlsbad dentist as soon as you can for diagnosis and treatment.
How A Root Canal Procedure Works
The first thing you need to do if you are experiencing a toothache is to see your dentist in Carlsbad. He or she will be able to diagnose the problem and let you know if a root canal is necessary. An X-ray will most likely be taken to examine the extent of the decay and to determine if a root canal procedure is necessary. If it is, your dentist will begin by anesthetizing your tooth and drilling a small access hole into the center of your tooth. He or she will then use root canal files to clear out the decayed material from the inside of your tooth. A special chemical and water will also be used to flush out any of the remaining material. After this is completed and all of the decayed material is removed, your dentist will next seal the inside of your tooth by using a special rubber compound and a sealer paste.
After sealing the tooth, your dentist will then install a filling into the access hole that was drilled at the beginning of the procedure. The final step of the procedure generally includes your dentist installing a restoration onto the affected tooth. This is done because the combination of excessive decay and the root canal procedure itself can make your teeth very unstable. A dental crown is usually used to stabilize the tooth and fully restore it. Once the crown is put in, it will both function and look like any of your natural teeth.
What To Expect After Your Root Canal
It is common to experience some mild pain after your root canal. To treat this, you can use an over the counter pain reliever such as Tylenol or ibuprofen. After your procedure is completed, it is usually recommended that you rest comfortably at home for the remainder of the day. Most people find that they are able to return to work or school the following day.
To learn more about root canal procedures or to schedule an appointment, talk to your dentist in Oceanside as soon as you can.
