An endodontist does not have to be a person you dread. This dental professional has the knowledge and training to clear out severe issues in your teeth and roots. If you have been suffering from extreme pain in your mouth, it may be time to get a root canal. To prepare you for this procedure, it is helpful to understand the steps the dentist will take.
For many people, hearing the term “root canal” can cause dread and anxiety. People who need one often put off having the procedure out of fear and nervousness. A root canal is essential when the pulp of the tooth becomes infected. This chamber of the tooth holds nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. If nothing is done to remove the infection or decay, the problems can spread to other areas of the mouth and body. Bone loss in the mouth could occur, as could swelling in the head, face and neck.
Any endodontist knows that a root canal can intimidate any patient. The dentist will first discuss the procedure with the patient. The dentist talks about why it is important, what it will do and what happens at each step. The patient can ask questions and express concerns. The dentist will also instruct the person how to care for the area after the procedure. At this initial appointment, the endodontist will take X-rays and make impressions of the mouth.
In some cases, the nerves of the affected tooth may be dead, so the patient would not feel pain anyway. Still, most endodontists will numb the area with a local anesthetic. This can comfort the patient during the process. The affected area must be dry and clear of debris, so the dentist will spray air into it and place a rubber stopper to keep out saliva.
To remove the infected pulp, the dentist will make an access hole and then drill into the tooth. The pulp rests below the enamel and dentin. Once reaching the chamber, the endodontist will remove the pulp and any bacteria there. The dentist uses a tool to scrape the sides and make sure all debris is gone. The dentist will use a disinfectant to kill any remaining bacteria.
To prevent further damage to the tooth, the dentist will seal it and place a crown on top. The crown will be the same color as the surrounding teeth and will have a similar shape and size. Within the next week or two, the endodontist will schedule a follow-up appointment with the patient.
Though you may feel a lot of stress about getting a root canal, you can feel positive about the appointment. Your endodontist can relieve your pain and restore your tooth to a healthy state. If you have excessive tooth pain, visit with the dentist today and find out whether you need this procedure.
Request an appointment here: https://www.sheats-endo.com or call Sheats Endodontic Group at (615) 933-9999 for an appointment in our Nashville office.
When you have an infected or severely damaged tooth, a tooth extraction may seem the only option. However, endodontic therapy offers an alternative. It allows you to save your natural tooth and preserve your smile, avoiding the need for future tooth replacement. This procedure, commonly known as a root canal, is designed to remove infection,…
Regardless of the severity, a cracked tooth requires immediate professional treatment. While minor cracks may only need treatment options like dental bonding, tooth extraction is necessary for severely damaged teeth. However, an endodontist can consider various options that other professionals may not offer. An endodontist usually treats cracked teeth that are too damaged for minor…
An endodontist is the right dentist to see when you have tooth pain. This person focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infections. A root canal is the most common procedure that endodontists perform to repair and save teeth. It is helpful to understand the background of these dentists. Their training helps them to…
In many cases, root canal recovery is even simpler than the procedure itself. Patients who are nervous about their upcoming procedure have nothing to fear, as they will be able to return to their normal lives afterward. A root canal is an essential procedure that entails saving a patient’s tooth and keeping it functional over…
Preserving natural teeth is always preferable to extraction for several reasons.
A vertical root fracture usually requires tooth extraction, but an endodontist can still save the…
Going to the endodontist should be your first choice when you have tooth pain. This…
Please contact our office today in order to schedule your root canal or to learn…
Once a break in a tooth occurs, it is 100% necessary to avoid foods that…
The endodontist will drill a small incision on the crown of the teeth to access…