What is a Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal treatment is often needed in dental patients who have an infection deep inside the tooth’s root. Many root canal patients experience anxiety centered around a root canal treatment, as they are not familiar with the procedure and do not know what to expect, but the procedure is usually not as invasive as the patient anticipated going in.

Root canal treatment

By having a full understanding as to what a root canal treatment procedure is, the purpose of a root canal treatment and how the entire process and aftercare works, patients can calm any anxieties they have about the surgery. The following is everything patients should know about root canal treatment for the procedure.

What is a root canal treatment?

A root canal treatment is a surgical procedure that involves drilling into the root of a tooth and removing any and all infected tooth pulp that exists and then filling the void with a healthier filling material. Although root canal treatment is a surgical procedure, it is a fairly easy procedure to perform for most dentists and oral surgeons, and the risk of complications is very small. By receiving a root canal treatment, patients are able to salvage an infected tooth from becoming loose and falling out.

The purpose of a root canal treatment

There are a number of reasons a dentist might recommend a root canal treatment to a patient. Most commonly, a root canal treatment is performed to remove infected pulp located in the root of a tooth, although there are other reasons a root canal treatment may be needed.

When the root of a tooth becomes infected, eroded or severely damaged, it can cause a severe level of pain and sensitivity, causing the patient to suffer on a daily basis. A root canal treatment can relieve the discomfort and restore the health and function of a person’s tooth.

The process of a root canal treatment

The process of a root canal treatment is fairly simple, and the entire root canal treatment can often be completed within hours, allowing the patient to return home in a timely manner. The first step toward root canal treatment is to be evaluated and diagnosed by a dentist, who is likely to conduct an oral examination and dental X-rays. After the patient and dentist agree to root canal treatment, a time for the treatment is scheduled. During the procedure, the patient is given local anesthesia, after which a small hole is drilled into the tooth’s root the infected pulp is removed and then filled with a healthy, substitute material.

Root canal treatment aftercare

It is important to follow all instructions provided by the dentist for aftercare following a root canal treatment. After treatment, there is an increased chance of some discomfort, and the chance of oral infection is greater as well. Along with the dentist’s specific instructions, be sure to follow a consistent oral care routine and avoid harmful foods and drinks until a full recovery is made.

Are you considering root canal treatment in the San Clemente area? Get more root canal treatment information at http://dentistinsanclemente.com.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal Treatment.

Recent Posts

3 Tips To Prepare For Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is often the first line of defense for treating teeth with compromised pulp chambers. The pulp chamber is the innermost layer of a tooth, and it stores nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. The chamber is sealed off from the rest of the tooth to protect it against bacteria and other irritants…

Common Signs You Need A Root Canal

A root canal is a treatment that can keep your tooth intact. The dentist will assess your tooth and ask you about your symptoms. But knowing if you need this treatment can tell you if you need to see your dentist for this procedure soon. Here are the common signs you need a root canal…

3 Signs You May Need A Root Canal

Dentists use root canals to save teeth that are badly infected. Sometimes, due to damage or decay, the inner part of the tooth becomes infected. However, the tooth may not have to be pulled, thanks to the root canal procedure. This article takes a closer look at this common treatment and three main signs you…

Pros And Cons Of Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment enables dentists to save severely damaged, decayed, or infected teeth. The procedure is typically recommended when a tooth has a compromised pulp chamber. The pulp chamber is the innermost layer of a tooth, and it contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. Tooth decay and damage can leave this part of a…

Recent Posts

Why Clear Braces Are A Popular Option For Teeth Straightening

Why Clear Braces Are A Popular Option For Teeth Straightening

For individuals with crooked or misaligned teeth, a dental provider may recommend wearing braces as a corrective treatment. Patients may be able to choose between clear braces or metal braces, depending on the condition of the teeth and mouth. Though the overall goal of straightening the teeth is one reason many pursue braces, there are…

Same Day Denture Options

Same-Day Denture Options

Patients who are ready to take the step and get dentures now have more options than would have had in the last five to 10 years.As dental technology continues to advance, patients who have one or more missing teeth now have several options for them to choose from with their dentist.For individuals that are ready…