Root Canal Treatment: The Facts
A root canal treatment is commonly done with tooth decay has already damaged the tooth beyond repair. It can help relieve a toothache and promote healing while saving the tooth from having to be pulled out. The process involves the dentist removing the pulp, also known as the root, from the tooth, and then filling the root cavity.
To begin, your dentist will dull your mouth in the area where the problem tooth is located. Some of them will use a jelly like substance to numb them at first and then they will inject an anesthetic, such as Novocain, into your gums. This will numb the gums, teeth, tongue, and so on, in that location. Other dentists may choose to use nitrous oxide to help their patients relax and to reduce their pain.
Next, your dentist will use specially made tools that he needs to extract the nerve out of the tooth. He will then fill the tooth with medication, temporary filling and a filling that is made for the root canal. The next step will include a permanent filling or a dental crown. In many cases the tooth will be fitted with a crown that is only temporary while the permanent one is being made. Once the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary one and the permanent one will be glued in place.
After a root canal surgery, there are a few things that the patient should expect to experience. For one, their lips, gums and teeth may remain unfeeling for a lengthy period of time until the Novocain wears off. After it wears off, the patient may experience some pain for the next day or 2. Often over the counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen will work to alleviate the pain. Sometimes the dentist may prescribe pain medication.
A root canal is necessary when the tooth has decayed to a degree that will cause irreversible damage to the tooth. It can work effectively to prevent or to treat an infection. It is important to keep in mind that over time the crown can become loose and need to be repaired or cemented back into place.
Prior to having this procedure done, there are a few things that you should consider. To begin with, once the pulp has been removed from the tooth, the tooth becomes fragile and will break easily if it is not covered by a cap or a crown. To avoid an infection that can damage other teeth or even bone, this procedure should be done as soon as possible.
If you have a tooth that is severely decayed, you might not want to deal with the discomfort of a treatment of this caliber but might instead choose to have the tooth pulled and have a bridge or implant put in the empty place. This is a decision between you and your dentist.
The dentist may prescribe antibiotics before and after the root canal treatment, depending on how severe the infection is. Some people that have trouble fighting off infection or that are more prone to infection may need to take antibiotics to ensure that no infection occurs.
"Root Canal Treatment: The Facts", was submitted 02/21/2012 under category Wellness and Diet.
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