Root canal procedures are designed for those who have oral infections that have spread to the pulp, or the interior, of their teeth. Because this issue contains a significant amount of nerve tissue and blood vessels, infections of the area can be quite painful, and left untreated, they have the potential to damage the roots of the teeth. Root canal therapy is designed to remove the affected tissues and restore the tooth whenever possible. Before root canal technology appeared on the dental healthcare scene, the available treatment for this condition was to extract the infected tooth or teeth.
What to Expect From Root Canal Therapy
Most patients will require one to three visits during the course of their root canal treatment depending on the extent of the infection and the number of individual teeth involved. You’ll receive a local anesthetic prior to the procedure, and the removal of the diseased material is the first step. After this material has been removed, the inner chamber of the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. During the next appointment, the area is then filled in with an elastic material that contains medication designed to prevent further infection from occurring. At the final appointment, the tooth is fitted with a crown that has been custom-made by a dental lab.
What to Expect After a Root Canal
Patients often report experiencing discomfort for several days following a root canal procedure, but over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough to keep this in check. Those who experience unusual pain or high levels of discomfort should contact their dentists as soon as possible because these conditions aren’t normal.
Please feel free to reach out to our office at Smile Center Campbellsville if you have any questions or concerns about root canal therapy.
