Understanding root canal therapy for a stress-free experience
The thought of undergoing a root canal procedure can make anyone feel at least a little bit anxious. The term "root canal" alone would make any resident of Granbury uneasy, but by knowing more about what a root canal is, why you may need it and what to expect during the procedure you can help alleviate some of your concerns. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about root canal therapy!
What is a root canal?
Before we get too into the details, we need to know what a root canal is and what part of the tooth it affects.
A root canal is a dental procedure that involves removing the infected or damaged pulp tissue from inside the tooth. The pulp tissue is made up of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Any damage or injury to the pulp tissue can lead to infection or inflammation, causing severe pain and discomfort.
At Granbury Endodontics, we perform root canal therapy as one of our main procedures. In fact, it's why we became endodontists in the first place.
Why is it called root canal therapy?
This is a question we get a lot lately, especially with people who have had a root canal procedure before.
We call it "root canal therapy" now because it's a treatment that aims to save the natural tooth by removing the infected pulp tissue and restoring its function and structure.
This is very effectively done now with technology like the GentleWave® machine, which uses fluid dynamics and sonic technology to get an incredibly clean root canal.
How do I know if I need root canal therapy?
The most common sign of needing root canal therapy is experiencing severe toothache or sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. Other signs may include swelling, tenderness, or discoloration of the gums near the affected tooth. However, it's essential to visit an endodontist or dentist for a proper diagnosis as some of these symptoms may also indicate other dental issues.
What happens during a root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy typically involves several steps and can take one or two appointments with your endodontist based on the complexity of the case. Here's what you can expect during the procedure:
Step 1: Local anesthesia
Your endodontist will administer a local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth, ensuring that you are comfortable during the procedure.
Step 2: Access the pulp chamber
Your endodontist will create a small opening on the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and canals.
Step 3: Remove the pulp tissue
Using small dental instruments, your endodontist will carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp tissue and clean the canals.
Step 4: Filling the canals
After cleaning and shaping the canals, your endodontist will fill them with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and seal the opening with a temporary filling.
Step 5: Restoring the tooth
Finally, your endodontist will place a permanent filling or crown on the tooth to restore its shape and function.
What is the recovery like after root canal therapy?
After the procedure, you may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity in the treated tooth for a few days, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Your endodontist may prescribe antibiotics if the infection was severe, and you may need to follow up with another dental appointment to have the temporary filling replaced with a permanent one.
How do I know if I need root canal therapy?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, consult your dentist or contact our office to check if root canal therapy may be necessary:
Persistent toothache
Swelling or tenderness around the affected tooth
Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
Recurring pimples on the gums near the affected tooth
In some cases, you may not experience any symptoms, but your dentist may recommend a root canal procedure based on x-ray or visual examination.
Root canal therapy doesn't have to be a scary experience, especially when you understand what it entails. If you've been referred by a dentist or have had any of the symptoms above, contact us at Granbury Endodontics to make an appointment for your root canal therapy.