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A root canal is a common dental surgery that many people may require if their tooth is severely damaged or infected. Many people believe that root canal treatment is painful, but this is not accurate. This article will explain what happens during root canal treatment near you, step by step.
Step 1: Checking Your Tooth
Before a procedure begins, the dentist will examine your tooth. They will inquire about your symptoms, such as if you have pain or swelling. The dentist may have to take an X-ray to see how much damage the teeth have. This will aid them in determining if a root canal is required. If a tooth is damaged or infected, a root canal can save it and make you feel better.
Step 2: Numbing the Area
Once the dentist has decided to do a root canal, they will make sure you won’t feel any pain. They achieve this by injecting some numbing agent. This makes the area around your tooth numb. You may feel a little pinch when the professional injects you, but it won’t last for a long time. It will take a few minutes for the numbing agent to work, and then the dentist can start working.
Step 3: Opening the Tooth
Then, the dentist will carefully open the tooth. They will make a small opening at the top of the tooth to reach the insides. This is where the infection or decay is. The dentist will use tiny tools to clean out the infected or dead pulp from the tooth. Sometimes, the dentist will also use an X-ray at this step to make sure that all of the contents have been removed.
Step 4: Cleaning and Shaping
After removing the bad tissue, the dentist will clean the inside of the tooth. This step is very important to make sure no germs are left inside. They will shape the canals (the tiny spaces inside the tooth) to prepare them for filling. This helps to prevent future infections.
Furthermore, many patients wonder if root canal treatment painful, but modern techniques make the procedure much more comfortable than expected.
Step 5: Filling the Tooth
Once the tooth is clean and shaped, the dentist will fill the empty space inside with a special material called gutta-percha. This material helps seal the tooth and keep out germs. After filling, the dentist will place a temporary filling to protect the tooth until a permanent one can be added.
Step 6: Sealing the Tooth
On your next visit, which might be scheduled for a week or so later, the dentist will put a permanent filling or crown on your tooth. A crown is like a cap that fits over the tooth and helps protect it. This helps your tooth look and work like new!
Step 7: Recovering After the Procedure
After the root canal treatment in Lloydminster, you might feel a bit of pain or discomfort. This is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medicine. Your dentist will tell you the best way to take care of your tooth during recovery. Make sure to follow their instructions, like avoiding the intake of hard foods for a little while.
Important Tips:
- Ask Questions: If you feel nervous, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist questions. They are there to help you.
- Follow Up: Make sure to go back to the dentist for your follow-up appointments to get the permanent filling or crown.
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing and flossing your teeth every day can help keep your teeth healthy and prevent future oral problems.
Now that you know what to expect during a root canal, you can be a bit more confident when it’s time to visit the dentist. With the root canal explained, you have a better understanding of the procedure, making the experience less intimidating.
Save Your Natural Tooth with a Root Canal Today!
If you have a damaged or infected tooth, we can help save it with a root canal at Tooth Suite Family Dentistry. Our team of dentist near you offer gentle and effective care to relieve pain and protect your natural tooth. We focus on making the procedure as comfortable as possible.
Don’t wait for the pain to get worse—schedule your root canal today!
Disclaimer
Dr. Marianne Stelmaschuk is a Lloydminster General Dentist. She is not a specialist in Cosmetic or Family Dentistry. Cosmetic and Family Dentistry are not specialties recognized by the Alberta Dental Association & College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA). She provides Cosmetic and Family Dental procedures such as Porcelain Veneers, Dental Crowns, Invisalign, and Teeth Whitening as part of her General Dentistry license. As a Lloydminster Family Dentist, she provides General Dental procedures for all ages within the family. Dr. Prabhjot Singh is a licensed Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon and can offer Oral Maxillofacial specialty services as part of his license.