subject: Root Canals- The Way To Save Your Tooth From Deep Decay [print this page] If you have a tooth that is severely decayed, you may begin to experience pain when the decay reaches the inner material of your tooth. When this occurs, usually the only way to save the tooth is through performing a root canal procedure. There is a negative stigma associated with root canals in that they are extremely painful. However, most patients report about the same amount of pain in a root canal procedure as in a filling procedure. If you have a toothache or feel like you may need a root canal procedure, don't hesitate to talk to your Boston dentist for treatment.
How Do Root Canals Work?
The first thing you should do if you are experiencing pain in one of your teeth is to visit your dentist to see what the problem is and whether a root canal is the appropriate way to get rid of your pain. He or she will take an X-ray to examine the extent of the decay in your tooth. If a root canal procedure is needed, he or she will then drill a small access hole into the center of your tooth. Using root canal files, he or she will then scrape out all of the infected material from the inside of your tooth. Water and a special chemical will then be used to flush out any remaining material. When this is completed, he or she will need to seal the inside of your tooth to ensure that no infection occurs in the future. A combination of sealer paste and a rubber compound is then used to fill in the center of the tooth where the pulp used to be.
After sealing the tooth, your dentist will next need to install a filling into the access hole that was drilled at the beginning of the procedure. The final step usually consists of your dentist installing a restoration on your tooth. This is required because the combination of the root canal procedure and excessive decay tend to make your tooth very unstable. A dental crown is generally used to stabilize your tooth and complete the process.
What To Expect After A Root Canal Procedure
After a root canal, it is common to experience some mild pain. To help get rid of this, you can take an over the counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or Tylenol. After your procedure, it is generally 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 day after their root canal procedure.
To learn more about root canal procedures or to schedule an appointment, contact your dentist in Boston, MA as soon as you can.
