How Root Canal Treatment Is Done by A Dentist
What Is a Root Canal?
It is an endodontic procedure that treats the insides of a diseased tooth to save it. Ideally, when a tooth gets infected, injured, or sustains any other form of damage, it needs to be extracted, allowing your mouth to function properly. However, instead of tooth extractions, dentists can perform endodontic treatments that save natural teeth by repairing the damaged portions only.
Why Would You Need a Root Canal Procedure?
Many factors that necessitate root canal treatment will force you to visit an emergency dentist near you. Typically, you will know you need a root canal procedure if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe toothache
- Tooth hypersensitivity to hot and cold foods
- Decayed tooth
- Cracked or broken tooth
- Abscessed tooth
What Is the Procedure for Root Canal Treatment?
When a dentist in Fort Myers, FL, gets ready to perform a root canal procedure, it is after a comprehensive dental exam. The exam determines the suitability of the treatment protocol for your dental problem. A standard root canal procedure entails drilling the diseased tooth using a dental drill or laser. The hole will provide the root canal dentist near you access to the insides of your tooth.
Using special tools, your dentist will clean out the inner layers of your tooth, focusing on the pulp cavity. It houses the blood vessels, connective tissues, nerve endings, and other soft tissues. When cleaning, the dentist’s goal is to remove any traces of bacteria and damaged tissues from within your tooth.
After cleaning, the dentist will proceed to shape the insides of the tooth before filling the canal. When shaping, the dentist will also disinfect it, killing any residual bacteria that may cause future infections. Usually, dentists use a filler called gutta-percha before placing a standard dental filling of choice over the tooth to seal it. The dental filling will prevent the re-entry of bacteria in the future.
A few root canal procedures may require another dental visit other than the initial one. It only applies if the dentist determines to place a dental crown on your treated tooth. If you need a dental crown, your dentist will take the impressions of the tooth to create a dental crown, installed in a separate dental visit. It is usually the case if the dental filling is too large to require reinforcement to hold the tooth in place.
Is It Painful?
If you are hesitant to visit a dentist near you for a root canal procedure because you dread pain, you will appreciate what Dr. Joseph Vanderbosch has to offer. Before any root canal procedure, he will numb your mouth with local anesthesia. It will make the treatment pain-free. Better yet, he will use sedation dentistry to help calm and relax your body and brain during the procedure. Sedation dentistry also goes a long way in overcoming dental anxiety and severe gag reflexes.
How Long Will the Root Canal Last?
A root canal procedure does not take too long to complete. It should take about 30 to 60 minutes in the dentist’s office near you. After a root canal treatment in Fort Myers, FL, the longevity of your results will largely depend on how well you care for your oral cavity. The success of any dental procedure at Freedom Dental Ft. Myers is in the aftercare measures. If you want your treated tooth to last a lifetime, consider incorporating the following dental care measures in your day-to-day lifestyle:
- Brush your teeth at least twice every day – to disallow plaque and tartar build-up in your mouth.
- Floss once every day – removing food debris and residue between your teeth.
- Visit your dentist regularly – those routine trips to a dentist’s office near you are important for dental exams and cleanings that help maintain good oral health.
- Watch what you eat – hard foods will break your tooth or risk dislodging the dental filling on the treated tooth.
- Quit smoking and taking alcohol – consuming tobacco and alcohol significantly deteriorate oral health.
- Quit poor oral habits like biting your fingernails, facial clenching, or teeth grinding.