When you have severe tooth decay or an infection, your dentist might recommend a root canal. This procedure, also known as endodontic therapy, involves removing infected pulp from inside your tooth and filling it in. If you’re unsure of what to expect from this kind of procedure, it’s understandable to feel nervous about it. Knowing what goes on during a root canal can help ease your anxiety. Keep in mind that your dentist will use an anesthetic so that you won’t feel anything during the procedure.
Pulp Removal
Root canal procedures start with removing all traces of infected pulp from inside the affected tooth. Leaving infected pulp in your tooth can increase your risk of ending up with a more severe infection that can spread to other parts of your body. Getting rid of infected pulp completely keeps you safe from these complications.
Canal Disinfection
After removing the infected pulp from your tooth, your dentist will thoroughly clean and disinfect this area. This helps remove bacteria and other germs that could put you at risk of having another infection.
Tooth Filling
When the affected tooth is disinfected, your dentist will fill in the open area with material that helps protect it from germs. This helps reduce your chance of having more infections occur.
Dental Crown
In some cases, you might need a dental crown on your tooth. This generally happens when a tooth has significant damage from decay. Having a crown placed on your tooth helps restore its functionality and improves its appearance.
Tooth Care Tips
Taking good care of your teeth can prevent you from needing to have more root canals done. Having regular dental cleanings, brushing your teeth two or three times a day and flossing daily are all effective ways to ensure that your teeth stay as healthy as possible.
To get more information about root canals, contact Michael J. Tupta, DDS, Inc.