Do you have a severe toothache & pimples on your gums? These are a few signs you need a root canal. Are you wondering what a root canal is? Well, we’re here to explain everything you need to know about root canals.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal treatment is a dental procedure usually performed to treat an abscessed tooth. During root canal therapy, the infected pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, then a filling is placed to reseal the space. This is the best way to save your infected tooth and prevent reinfection.
# Signs You Need A Root Canal
- If you have severe pain while chewing, biting, or whole applying pressure
- If there are pimples on your gums
- If you have a chipped or cracked tooth.
- If you have lingering sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
- If you have swollen or tender gums
- If you have a deep decay
- If you have dark gums or discolored tooth
How Does a Root Canal Work?
The dentist will first take dental X-rays of the affected tooth, which help determine the extent of the damage. This will also ensure that root canal treatment in Ardmore, OK, is the best treatment option to save your tooth. The following steps are taken during your root canal procedure.
- Local anesthesia will be given to numb the affected tooth and the surrounding gums.
- A rubber dam will be placed over the area, which will isolate the tooth and keep it dry for the procedure.
- A small access hole will be made on the surface of the tooth to remove the diseased and dead pulp tissue.
- Next, the dentist will use tiny dental instruments, which will remove inflamed tissues, nerves, and blood vessels.
- Once the pulp is removed, the root canal is cleaned, disinfected, and shaped.
- The tooth is then filled with a rubber-like dental material, also known as gutta-percha.
- A temporary dental filling is placed to seal the canals completely and prevent bacteria from re-entering.
- After the root canal treatment, your tooth is dead, and you will no longer feel any pain. This will make your tooth more fragile, and it will require additional support.
- You will need a dental crown to protect your tooth and restore your bite. You will get a custom-made crown that will fit you perfectly and restore your smile.
- However, until you receive your crown, make sure you don’t bite on the affected tooth.
Root Canal Benefits
- Saves Your Natural Tooth
A root canal treatment will save your natural teeth, and you can maintain your smile. This will help you continue to eat the foods you love and you won’t require extensive treatments. With proper care, your teeth that received a root canal will last a lifetime.
- Virtually Pain-Free Procedure
Most people avoid getting root canal treatment as they fear the pain that is associated with it. But in reality, root canal therapy is a pain-relieving procedure. Even during the treatment, there are modern techniques and effective anesthesia, where you will experience no pain. Oftentimes, patients who opt for a root canal describe it as painless compared to patients who had their tooth extracted. However, if you experience severe pain after a root canal, make sure you visit your dentist as soon as possible.
- Cost-Effective
A root canal is a cost-effective procedure that will save you a lot of money down the line. Most dental insurance also covers root canal treatment. However, if you opt for tooth extraction, replacing the missing tooth becomes essential, which means you will require a denture, bridge, or implant. This will cost you a lot more and will take a lot of time for recovery.
- Aesthetic Results
With root canal therapy, you will receive a customized crown that will not only function like your natural teeth but will look like one. They will restore your teeth to normal, and you can smile confidently.
Schedule Your Root Canal Treatment
If you have an abscessed tooth, make sure you schedule your appointment with the best restorative dentist in Ardmore, OK, to ensure you have a pleasant experience. This will not only ensure your teeth are restored but will also make sure you will get back your beautiful smile.