subject: Save Your Decaying Tooth With A Root Canal Procedure [print this page] When an infection of your tooth reaches the inner pulp, a root canal procedure must be performed to save the tooth and avoid having to have it extracted. Throughout time, root canal procedures have developed a reputation for being extremely painful and unpleasant. Today, however, this reputation is unfounded. Most people who undergo root canal treatment report the same amount of pain as getting a filling put in. If you are having pain in your tooth, see your Pompano Beach dentist right away to see what treatment is necessary.
How Root Canal Therapy Works
If you are feeling pain in your tooth, you need to see your dentist as soon as you can. The longer you wait to receive treatment, the more difficult the procedure will be. Once you are in your dentist's chair, he or she will usually begin the process by taking an X-ray of your tooth to examine the roots and see where the infection has spread. After this, he or she will anesthetize your tooth and drill a small access hole into the center of your tooth. The pulp along with any bacteria or decayed tissue is then removed by using small root canal files. Water or a chemical is also used to flush out the remaining materials.
After removing the inner tooth material, the inside of the tooth must be effectively sealed. A sealer paste and rubber compound are placed into the tooth's root canal to ensure that an infection is not permitted to occur in the roots again. To fill the access hole, your dentist will use a filling. Often, the tooth must finally be stabilized with a dental restoration, such as a crown. This is because a root canal is many times necessary because of severe decay. A dental crown can be used to help stabilize a tooth and restore its appearance. After this process is complete, you will be free to leave the dentist's office and begin enjoying your pain-free tooth.
What To Expect After A Root Canal
It is possible that in the few days after your root canal procedure you will experience some slight discomfort or pain. If this is the case, it can usually be treated with an over the counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or Tylenol. Generally, however, you will be able to return to your normal activities the day after your root canal procedure. Root canal procedures are highly successful, with a success rate of more than 95%. In the rare case of a complication, it is usually due to an undetected crack in the root of a tooth or a defective restoration.
To learn more about root canal therapy or to schedule an appointment, contact your dentist in Pompano Beach today.
