Visiting the endodontist may be intimidating, but this dentist has your interests in mind. If you have an infection in your roots or if there is severe decay in your tooth, a root canal may be necessary. Though this process can be scary, your endodontist has the knowledge and training to correct even the most challenging issues.
A person with healthy, strong teeth will likely never need a root canal. This process is for people whose tooth decay and damage are too severe for a filling to manage. Poor dental habits contribute to these issues. A lack of daily brushing and flossing habits can cause a tooth to become infected or for roots to have problems. Also, people who do not go to the dentist for regular checkups may be prone to serious oral health concerns.
The endodontist will first talk to the patient about the root canal process. This allows the patient to ask questions and express concerns about the procedure. The dentist will then take X-rays of the mouth to determine how significant the damage is. The dentist may also make impressions of the teeth and send the images to a lab for further use.
At a subsequent appointment, the endodontist will numb the patient and dry the area. The dentist places rubber sheets around the affected tooth to get saliva and other debris away. The dentist then drills into the tooth and removes the pulp. This chamber under the enamel and dentin houses the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels. The dentist will also remove any bacteria and decayed nerves.
The endodontist then kills any remaining bacteria by disinfecting the tooth. The dentist may use a tool to scrape the sides of the root canals and will then flush out the tooth with water or a sodium solution. This process also discourages the growth of any other bacteria.
After cleaning the tooth, the endodontist will seal it. In some cases, the dentist will wait a few days or a week before doing this. Instead, the dentist may place medication in the tooth and put a temporary filling on it. Other dentists prefer to seal it immediately. Usually, the dentist will then cap the tooth with a crown. It will be natural-looking and closely resemble the other teeth in size, shape and color. A week or so after the appointment, the dentist will follow up with the patient.
Living with an infection or decay in a tooth can be painful. It may even be bad enough that you cannot function well in your daily tasks. If you get to this point, find an endodontist near you and schedule a time to discuss getting a root canal. This dentist will make sure you are as comfortable as possible and that the results will leave you feeling well.
Request an appointment here: https://www.sheats-endo.com or call Sheats Endodontic Group at (615) 526-2495 for an appointment in our Nashville office.
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