Root Canal
Millions of teeth are treated and saved each year thanks to a root canal procedure. A root canal, otherwise called endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure for treating the inside of a tooth. The term “root canal” refers to the natural area inside the tooth. The pulp refers to the soft area found in the root canal, within which lies the nerves. By removing the infected parts, an expert dentist in Everett ensures that further contamination and damage of the tooth is prevented.
Procedure of Choice
Root canal treatment expenses fluctuate, but it is a relatively less exorbitant choice of dental care compared to having a tooth removed and replaced with a new crown or bridge. According to a qualified dentist in Everett, most people believe that the procedure is excruciatingly painful, but in reality, it is not. Patients are given anesthesia to make the procedure as simple and painless as an ordinary dental surgery, like a filling or getting a wisdom tooth removed. After the root canal procedure, the gums will remain sore, somewhat numb but only for a couple of days.
When Is Treatment Needed?
The pulp inside the tooth can become infected with microscopic organisms if there was some slight damage that was left untreated or because of a cavity. Without treatment, the contamination might spread, infecting the surrounding tissue and forming abscesses. This may lead to severe agony when biting or gnawing food, sensitivity to heat and cold, swollen or delicate gums, or a deep visible rot – signs that may indicate the need for a root canal.
Root Canal Procedure
During the procedure, the dental specialist administers anesthesia to numb the tooth, and a dental dam, a little sheet of plastic that disconnects the tooth, to keep it perfect and dry. The patient will feel a slight squeeze in the area where the needle will go in. After the tooth is numb, a drill is used to make an opening at the top segment of the tooth, where the pulp and nerve of the tooth are exposed, removed and the inside area is cleaned.
The dentist will clear away the infected parts, and flood the chamber with water to wash away any remaining pulp. They may also put an antimicrobial solution in the chamber to eliminate any residual microscopic organisms, and remove any chances of further contamination. When the chamber is completely clean and dry, the dental specialist will fill it with another elastic material to ensure it heals properly. The dental specialist will then use a brief filling to close the opening in the tooth, as the patient waits for a lasting crown to be placed.
Post-Procedure
After about half a month, the dentist will place a perpetual crown or a comparable kind of reclamation on the highest point of the tooth, completing the treatment. The dentist may also need to put a little supporting post within the root chamber, to make the crown or rebuilding steady, but this will depend on the state of one’s tooth.
One is expected to take extra care of their teeth and gums after a root canal procedure is done. Dental specialists suggest brushing the teeth at least twice a day, using a recommended toothpaste, and a reasonable toothbrush that is gentle on the gums. The patient is also expected to go for routine dental checkups and cleaning.