If your dentist has prescribed you a root canal procedure, you may be concerned due to the misconceptions surrounding this dental treatment. To ease any worries and help you understand what a root canal treatment involves, learn more about the procedure, from what is a root canal to what to expect during your recovery.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a term used to describe the interior structure of your tooth’s root. The term is also used to describe the treatment of an infected root canal system. Your tooth’s root canals house the dental pulp. This soft tissue contains the tooth’s nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
If you experience deep decay in a tooth, the dental pulp can become infected. If left untreated, this can lead to an infection that affects your jawbone, an abscess on the root tip, and even tooth extraction. The only way to remove the diseased dental pulp, alleviate your discomfort, and save your tooth is with root canal treatment.
What are the Symptoms of a Root Canal?
If you think you may have an infected tooth, you may wonder what is a root canal and its symptoms. If you have a diseased tooth, you may experience some or all of the following root canal symptoms depending on the extent of the decay.
- Tooth discolouration
- Persistent pain when chewing or biting
- Tender and swollen gums
- A cracked or chipped tooth
- Sensitivity to heat and cold
What is a Root Canal Procedure?
A root canal procedure is a standard dental treatment. Your dentist applies numbing medication to the gum surrounding the infected tooth, then injects a local anaesthetic.
Once the site is numb, your dentist drills a small hole in the dental crown to expose the infected pulp. The pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is disinfected and sealed before being covered with a temporary filling.
At a future appointment, depending on the tooth’s remaining structure, your dentist may fill the tooth or fit you with a dental crown.
How Long Does Root Canal Treatment Take?
The duration of a root canal treatment depends on the tooth being treated.
Your canines and incisors only have one root canal, your premolars can have two, and your molars may have up to four root canals.
A typical root canal procedure takes 30 to 90 minutes.
But you need to return to have your tooth filled or be fitted for a dental crown once the inflammation from the infection subsides.
What to Expect Following Your Root Canal Procedure?
Because root canals are performed using local anaesthesia, they are generally no more uncomfortable than a filling. You can expect some mild discomfort and soreness for the first 24-48 hours following a root canal treatment. This discomfort can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication and an ice pack.
If You Suspect You Need Root Canal Treatment, Don’t Wait!
Don’t suffer unnecessarily with a toothache. At Maroondah Dental Care, our team is committed to making your dental experience as convenient, comfortable, and painless as possible. We strive to provide you and your family with cutting-edge and affordable dental care in a friendly environment.
To book your appointment, or for more information on what is a root canal and how to treat it, contact us on 03 9007 2532.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Reference
Root Canal Surgery: Overview
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-a-root-canal-1059192#