Everything You Need To Know About Root Canals

One of the most common dental procedures that people are aware of is the root canal. They’re aware because once someone hears that they need one, they instantly become nervous – even though it’s not as painful as people think!

What Is A Root Canal?

There is a channel from the surface of the tooth, through the tooth and into the root filled with soft tissue – this is known as the root canal. It’s where the main nervous tissue is found for the tooth, and if there is an infection or a level of decay, a root canal is necessary. Root canals involve the soft tissue being removed and replaced with artificial cement to avoid total tooth loss.

What Happens During The Procedure?

There is a lot of nervous tissue in a root canal. Because of this tissue, anesthesia is a requirement for a root canal. It’s only a local that is usually used, and it numbs the tooth as well as the surrounding area. Your dentist will use a dental drill to go into the tooth and remove the decay and any infection. At the point where the canal narrows in the stem of the root, the dentist then uses manual devices to remove all the soft tissue. This leaves a vulnerable space left behind, which is then filled with rubber cement. X Rays are taken afterward to see if there are any air pockets left in the tooth. If this is the case, the procedure starts over with the cement being removed and the canal refilled. Once there are no air pockets (which can cause pain), the tooth opening is then permanently closed, with the remaining cavity in the tooth filed.

Are Root Canals Painful?

Some people will wince at the idea of a root canal. It has a bad reputation for being painful when it’s more discomfort at the pressure than any pain associated. Anesthesia is used, so no pain should occur during the procedure. After the anesthesia wears off, this is when most of the discomfort is felt. It’s quite a lengthy procedure if there are any air pockets or issues, as it has to be repeated over and over to get it right. Anxiety in patients is common during a root canal, and the length of time spent in the chair is often why people fear a root canal.

Alternatives

Your dentist may recommend that there is no alternative for a root canal. Usually, these are recommended because of the infection level that needs immediate treatment. If the root canal doesn’t work, it can be performed again, where antibiotics may never work, and the infection gets worse, destroying the tooth.

If your dentist recommends you a root canal, the best thing that you can do is be informed about it. You need to make sure that your dentist is able to talk you through the procedure and make you feel comfortable with it before the appointment. A root canal can save your tooth and rid your mouth of infection.