If your family dentist near Virginia Beach informs you of a tooth infection, they’ll likely recommend a root canal treatment to resolve it. If you’ve never had such a procedure done on you in the past, it’s completely understandable that you might worry. However, taking a moment to understand what the treatment entails may help calm your nerves and prepare you for treatment.

A dentist with experience in the field of endodontics will know exactly how to keep you as comfortable as possible during the appointment. On top of that, modern dentistry provides many technical upgrades and new techniques that ensure a safe, pain-free, and successful treatment. 

What is a root canal treatment?

A root canal treatment is a non-surgical endodontic procedure that restores and saves an infected tooth. Your dentist will access the interior of your tooth to remove tissues and clear the infection. It is a more invasive form of treatment compared to a standard dental filling, but it is still a routine outpatient procedure with a low risk of complications.

There are several signs that you may need a root canal treatment, but the problem is that many physical symptoms often don’t become apparent until the infection is more advanced. Nevertheless, some symptoms that may indicate you need the procedure include the following:

• Severe pain
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Swollen gums  
• Dark discoloration of the tooth
• Deep decay

Regular dental appointments can help detect these problems early, potentially saving you from needing root canal treatment altogether.

Why you shouldn’t worry.

Many believe that root canal treatments are significantly more painful than fillings. However, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to stop you from experiencing any discomfort throughout treatment, just as they would during any other dental procedure. The most you may experience is some pressure as the dentist works.

Getting a root canal treatment may be time-consuming, but that, too, is something that may not be as much as you think. A dentist who does endodontics can complete treatment in one or two visits. Some appointments take as little as an hour, depending on the type of tooth, complexity, and extent of the infection.

Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, modern endodontics highlights patient comfort more than ever. Dentists use many techniques to reduce discomfort, from computer-controlled local anesthesia to laser technology that disinfects the root canal and minimizes damage to the surrounding tissues.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Most root canal procedures follow the following process:

• X-ray: The dentist sees the size and shape of the tooth’s root and checks for signs that the infection has spread
• Anesthesia: The dentist uses a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues
• Dental dam: A rubber sheet is placed over the tooth to ensure it remains dry and protected from saliva and bacteria
• Drilling: A small access hole is created in the tooth
• Pulp removal: Small, specialized instruments are used to remove the infected pulp, nerves, blood vessels, and tissue from within the tooth
• Cleaning: The tooth is cleaned and disinfected
• Filling: The canal is filled with a flexible, rubbery material called gutta-percha, then sealed with dental cement
• Temporary filling: The opening is closed with a temporary filling

Some dental offices also offer sedation as a form of pain relief and to help patients with dental anxiety.

Recovery and Aftercare

You may feel some discomfort for a few days after treatment. The area may be sensitive and tender, for instance, but those feelings will gradually subside. You may have received a prescription for a pain reliever, but over-the-counter medicine, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, may also be effective.

You can continue your dental hygiene routine at home, but you should avoid chewing or biting on the treated tooth for a few days. Avoid sticky foods like gummies and caramel, as they can loosen or dislodge the temporary filling.

A permanent restoration, such as a crown, will be needed and may require additional appointments. Schedule such treatment promptly because the temporary filling will eventually leak, allowing bacteria to contaminate the tooth. Failing to have the permanent restoration completed may result in needing the tooth re-treated because of an additional infection.

The benefits of saving your tooth.

Saving your natural tooth does more than prevent you from having holes in your smile. It also ensures you have a healthy tooth that contributes to effective chewing, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without pain.

A natural tooth also plays a pivotal role in maintaining jawbone health. When a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone starts to deteriorate. Keeping your natural tooth prevents that from happening and maintains your facial structure.

Lastly, from an emotional perspective, keeping your natural teeth also enhances your confidence. Those with missing teeth often feel self-conscious and avoid smiling. 

Invest in your long-term oral health with a root canal treatment.

A healthy mouth contributes to your overall well-being, and keeping your natural teeth is a vital step in that process. If you are having tooth pain, don’t delay. Contact King Dental for an evaluation and prompt treatment to save your tooth.