subject: How A Root Canal Procedure Can Save Your Tooth From Being Pulled [print this page] If one of your teeth is severely decayed, often the decay can spread into the center of the tooth and become very painful. When this happens, often the only way that your tooth can be saved is through a root canal procedure. There is a negative stereotype associated with root canals in that they are very painful procedures. However, this is not the case with modern root canal procedures. If you have a nagging toothache, don't hesitate to visit your Cape Coral dentist as soon as you can for diagnosis and treatment.
How Root Canals Work
The first thing you need to do if you are experiencing a toothache is to see your dentist in Cape Coral. He or she will be able to diagnose the problem and let you know if a root canal is necessary. 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 your tooth. He or she will then use special root canal files to clear out all of the decayed material from the inside of your tooth. Water and a special chemical will also be used to flush out any of the remaining decay. After this is finished 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 sealer paste.
After sealing your tooth, your dentist will then install a filling into the access hole that was drilled at the beginning of the procedure. The final step generally consists of your dentist installing a restoration onto the affected tooth. This is done because the combination of excessive decay and the root canal procedure itself usually makes your tooth very unstable. A dental crown is most often used to stabilize the tooth and fully restore your tooth. Once the crown is put in, it will both function and look like any of your natural teeth.
What To Expect Following Your Procedure
It is common to experience some mild pain after your root canal is over. To treat this, you can use an over the counter pain reliever such as Tylenol or ibuprofen. After your procedure, 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 school or work the following day.
To learn more about root canal procedures or to schedule an appointment, contact your dentist in Cape Coral as soon as you can. He or she will be able to tell you more.
