Dental procedures can be nerve-wracking and daunting. But all you need to know is that the pain you feel during a procedure will be far less than the pain you feel in the future if you avoid dental work now.
Most people fear root canals because they’re already in pain, and they believe the procedure will cause them greater pain. Root canals may seem scary, but it’ll only strengthen your smile and rid you of pain. If you want to be prepared for your root canal appointment, read ahead.
Reasons You Need a Root Canal
Root canals save teeth from decay or a deep infection. The most significant indicator of a root canal is pain. If you feel pain while eating, drinking or a constant pain without any activity, there’s a chance of infection in your tooth.
Another sign is sensitivity to hot or cold drinks. Damaged nerves or blood vessels can cause sensitivity to heat and cold. Deep decay, swollen gums, prolonged sensitivity and brittle teeth are all signs pointing in the direction of a possible root canal.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, don’t panic and schedule an appointment with your dentist for a detailed examination.
The Root Canal Procedure
On the day of the procedure, you might feel frightened and anxious. But, it’s important to remember that after this day your toothache will be history!
Before beginning the procedure, your endodontist will ensure you are comfortable and relaxed. You will be administered local anesthesia to numb sensations of pain and discomfort. After this, a dental dam or rubber dam will be placed over your mouth to isolate the tooth, keep your mouth open, and free of saliva.
Next, the dentist will dry your tooth and make an opening to remove the bacteria and decay. Root canal files will be used to clean the tooth’s roots. After the bacteria has been removed and the infected area has been treated properly, the inside of your tooth will be disinfected and the canals will be filled with rubber filling material called gutta-percha. Lastly, another filling will be placed in your tooth to seal.
After The Procedure
Once the numbness wears off, you may experience slight disc
omfort and pain,
but this will soon disappear. Your dentist will prescribe you a pain-killer if necessary. For the first few days, you might have to chew from the other side of your mouth. It’s important to remember brushing your teeth regularly and
flossing in between meals.
Post Procedure Check-ups
After a root canal, your tooth can be brittle and weak. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to assess the healing of the tooth and discuss the need for a crown to strengthen the structure of your tooth.
A Healthy Smile
The idea of a root canal can be scary, but the procedure isn’t! If you want to work on brightening your smile after your procedure, you can schedule a teeth-whitening appointment too. Remember to maintain oral hygiene and routinely visit your dentist for a healthy smile.
Don’t let your fears take over you and schedule an appointment at West Hills Smile for expert dentists in Woodland Hills, CA.