A root canal procedure is something that dentists offer to save teeth. Teeth only need root canals when the roots of the teeth have problems, such as an infection or nerve damage. Going through this procedure is not exactly pleasurable, but it is also not horribly bad. Here is a guide to help you know what to expect if you are getting your first root canal.
What It Is
Most people do not understand what a root canal procedure is until they need one. Even then, they may not fully comprehend the purpose. Therefore, it might help you to know what this procedure is before going to your visits to get a root canal.
A root canal procedure is something that dentists do to save teeth. A tooth may need a root canal if the canals become infected. The canals hold the roots of your teeth, and the roots contain nerves. The roots also supply your teeth with blood and oxygen. When these areas become infected, you might develop a toothache and will then need a root canal.
A root canal cleans the infected pulp from these canals, leaving you with a healthier mouth and saving the infected tooth.
How It Is Completed
Most dentists complete root canals in two steps. The first step is accessing the tooth's roots and cleaning them out. To do this, a dentist must remove part of your tooth or create a hole in it. Next, the dentist finds the canals and cleans them out with dental tools. After doing this, the dentist may take x-rays to ensure that he or she removed everything from the canals. The canals should be empty at this point. When the dentist completes this, they may place a filling in your tooth to protect it until your next visit.
The next visit requires the dentist to access the roots once again. This time, though, the dentist fills the roots with a material that hardens. This material stops the roots from becoming infected again.
Most people will need a dental crown placed over a tooth that went through a root canal. Getting a dental crown might require one or two more visits to the dentist. The crown protects the tooth and strengthens it after the dentist removed part of it to perform the root canal.
Getting a root canal might be the only option you have if you want to save an infected tooth. You can talk to a dentist to learn more about the process.
If you are tired of coming down with dental problems, the problem might not be your toothpaste. Instead, it could be your habits tied to your dental care. Aggressive brushers, people who have a tendency to forget, and even people who are flossing improperly could be left with serious dental issues, which is why it really pays to focus on mastering the small things. From moving forward with a better brushing routine to doing what you can to identify and resolve ongoing decay, making your dental health a priority is instrumental in preventing pain and added budgetary strains. Check out this blog to find out more.