Root canals are hardly ever an enjoyable experience. Having a root canal takes you out of your daily routine and usually causes some discomfort. We acknowledge that this is no one’s first choice on how to spend a day, but sometimes, these procedures are necessary to save your tooth.
At Vellore Woods Dentistry, we take extra care and precaution to provide you with the best service possible for any procedure, including the daunting ones like root canals. In the post below, we have included some basic information on the procedure and what you can expect when you step into our office.
Why It Is Necessary
Root canals are the main treatment plan for a tooth that has decayed or has become infected down to the very root. If the tooth is left untreated, it can actually die and will ultimately cause numerous internal problems that can range in severity.
To understand why this process is the required form of treatment for these infections, it’s important to first understand what makes up a tooth.
A tooth is comprised of layers, and deep at the core is where these severe problems can develop. Unfortunately, these issues will go unnoticed without a proper examination from our experts.
Deep in the tooth, there are many blood vessels and nerve endings that can become infected or decay. These blood vessels and nerves give life to the tooth, and if damaged, can be cause for the tooth’s demise. A root canal procedure stops these infections from spreading, ultimately saving the tooth.
Unfortunately, when the decay process begins, there are usually very few warning signs that could alert you of a bigger problem. That being said, we always recommend making a trip to our office when you experience any pain or discomfort in your mouth.
Consultation
When you require a root canal, the first step in the process involves a consultation. During the consultation, the dental staff will explain what is going on and clear up any confusion with the diagnosis and what the root canal treatment entails.
The consultation is a standard dental check-up. During the appointment, the dentist will inspect the tooth and determine the severity of the damage that has already been caused. This may include conducting an x-ray to find out what issues may lie deeper in the tooth.
You will then be given a time frame in which the procedure should be completed to ensure that no further damage to the tooth is done.
If the damage is deemed to be severe enough at the first consultation, there is a chance that the dentist will recommend doing a same-day procedure to ensure that the tooth has a better chance of surviving.
If you are given a more flexible time frame, it is then up to you to schedule a day to come in, and the dental staff will take care of the rest! At the end of the consultation, you also should receive any necessary information for day-of preparation and post-op recovery so that you have all you need to feel ready for what’s to come.
How to Prepare
We know that this procedure is far from enjoyable. However, this is a common procedure for any dental office. You can be assured that your dental office will provide you with exquisite care and pay extra attention to provide comfort in any way you may need.
These procedures are needed only after the tooth has reached a certain level of the decaying process. So, there is not much you can do to prepare besides setting up a time to come in.
The most important thing we can recommend is keeping an open line of communication with the dental professionals. This ensures that you get the care you need when you need it.
Actual Procedure
Root canals have a bad reputation in the eyes of many dental patients, mainly because of the anticipation of pain. Fortunately with recent technology, professionals in the dental field have managed to reduce the amount of pain these procedures cause.
In fact, this procedure has become so common that there are very few long-term risks associated with it.
When you arrive at the office for your root canal, the dentist will start by numbing the infected area with a local anaesthetic. From here on out, you should feel nothing more than pressure while the professionals work their magic.
The dentist will then drill a hole in the infected tooth and remove any and all infection or decay. After this is done, the dentist will patch up the hole and clean the tooth to ensure that it is back to its healthiest and cleanest working condition.
Depending on the extent of the decay, and to prevent further damage, experts usually recommend sealing off the tooth to ensure that it will last and remain in a healthier condition than before.
Recovery Period
The wonderful thing about a root canal is that it will get you back to your normal routine in no time at all.
Root canals, while invasive procedures, call for a very short period of recovery time. You may feel some discomfort in the general area, though this is a relatively rare happening and should clear up within a week.
Your tooth will function as it always has, now without the worry of it dying!
Need to Schedule a Consultation?
Do you feel that you may be in need of a root canal or any other dental service? Visit our website to schedule a consultation today! We’ll take care of you and make sure you’re relaxed during the entire procedure.
If you’re worried that you might have a root canal, let us give you our opinion. We’ll examine your mouth, let you know if you need this procedure or not, and relieve your worries!