subject: Preparing For Your Root Canal Procedure [print this page] A root canal is the thin passageway within the root of a tooth that provides the pulpy center of the tooth with blood flow and nourishment. Within the center of a tooth is a hollow area filled with a pulp.
It is necessary for this area to be healthy, in order to keep the rest of the tooth healthy, also. When teeth are exposed to plaque and decay over a long period of time, the enamel is worn down.
When enamel breaks down, the rest of the tooth is less likely to be healthy because it does not have as much of a protective cover as it once had. This can cause sensitivity and cavities.
When a tooth has extensive damage from decay or a cavity has become very severe, it is often necessary for a dentist to perform endodontic, or root canal, therapy on the patient. There are a few steps to performing this type of surgery.
First, the dentist drills into the tooth, removing the decayed area and the pulp. Next, they use a device to clean deep into the hollow chamber.
They also clean into the root canal of the tooth, removing any damage there as well. Most of the time, it is necessary to clean the tissue where the root meets the gum as well, because it can become damaged easily.
Once the cleaning has been performed, the dentist uses and endofile to rid the canal and the gum area of decay and infection. The chamber is then filled with a rubber filling and a crown.
Infection to the inner tooth can be very painful and needs attention immediately. If you notice a great deal of pain in your gums or have a toothache, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Taking care of this problem right away will prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of your mouth and save you from losing one or many teeth. When infection within the gums and mouth is not treated, it can lead to a small pocket of pus, called an abscess.
These are very painful and dangerous to your overall health. Root canals are always performed using some kind of numbing agent or anesthesia.
If you are worried about the procedure, ask questions of your dentists so that you fully understand what it entails and how they usually perform the surgery. In general, root canal procedures are very minor and, if treated with antibiotic medication and performed using something to numb the pain, are nothing to be scared of.
You may not even notice the procedure happening! It has a very high rate of success, and once you have had it, you should not experience any more pain or problems in the tooth that was treated.
Though root canals are a very routine and, mostly, painless procedure, it is best to avoid having one performed by prevention. Be sure to keep your teeth healthy and practice good oral hygiene daily.
You should always floss at least once a day and brush your teeth after every meal. This will prevent bacteria and plaque build-up on your teeth and gums, and will keep your smile clean and bright.
It is very important to utilize some kind of fluoride rinse or mouthwash if you want to have good oral hygiene. Fluoride gives enamel strength, which helps prevent cavities and plaque formation.
Keep food from settling onto your teeth and into your gums by cleaning your mouth after every meal. If you do not have access to a toothbrush or mouthwash, gargle and swish some saltwater or clean water.
The longer that food stays on your teeth, the more prone it will be to collecting bacteria. These bacteria cause infection, and could eventually lead to cavities and root canal troubles.
Make sure to visit the dentist for a professional cleaning twice a year. They will also be able to diagnose problems that you may have in your teeth and gums, and advise you on how to take care of them properly and quickly.
If you understand the procedure of root canal operations and prepare yourself mentally for the minor type of oral surgery, the experience should be painless. Trust in your dentist, for their main goal is to help your smile stay bright and healthy!
