How Does Root Canal Treatment Work?

Root Canal Morton, PA

Root canal treatment enables dentists to save infected, damaged, or decayed teeth. The procedure has a reputation as being painful, but this is far from the truth. Root canals were probably painful before the invention of local anesthetics, but now that is no longer the case. Local anesthetics are used during a root canal treatment, so patients do not feel significant pain as the dentist works on their tooth.

The root canal treatment process

Root canal therapy is usually suggested when a tooth’s pulp chamber has been damaged. The pulp chamber houses soft tissues like blood vessels and nerves, and it is sealed off from the rest of the tooth. Injury to a tooth can open this area, leaving these soft tissues susceptible to the bacteria and acids in the mouth. The risk of infection also goes up dramatically when a tooth’s pulp chamber is damaged.

Restoring a tooth with root canal therapy starts with the dentist evaluating the patient to see if it is the correct course of action. A visual examination is often performed, and diagnostics like X-rays might be used to assess what is going on inside a tooth.

Once it has been determined that root canal therapy is the appropriate treatment for the patient, the dentist will start the procedure by injecting the patient with a local anesthetic. This numbs the area being worked on so the patient does not feel pain as the dentist works. They will only feel the force of the dentist pushing and drilling into the tooth.

A dental drill is used to make a hole into the pulp chamber so the dentist can extract the soft tissue there with dental files. Medication might be inserted into the pulp chamber once the area has been thoroughly cleaned.

Depending on the severity of the infection in the tooth, the dentist might opt to reseal the tooth immediately or cover it with a temporary filling so they can insert another round of medication into the tooth in a week.

If the dentist thinks that one round of medication is enough for the tooth, a rubbery material called gutta-percha is used to close the tooth. The tooth can then be rebuilt using composite bonding, or a crown might be placed on it to complete the process.

Recovering after getting a root canal

There is no recovery period after having a root canal. The pain that brought the patient to the clinic is typically gone by the time the procedure is over. After getting a root canal, some patients might experience minor discomfort for the first few days. Over-the-counter medication can be used to address it. Patients are free to return to their regular routine after root canal therapy. Teeth repaired with root canal therapy will not be as strong as they once were, which is why dentists often recommend covering them with crowns to protect them against bite forces.

Save your damaged tooth

Root canal therapy can save your severely damaged or infected tooth. Call or stop by our Morton clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://delcodental.com or call Delaware County Dental at (484) 223-1780 for an appointment in our Morton office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Root Canal Treatment in Morton, PA.

Recent Posts

Preventive Dentistry Tips: Choosing The Right Toothpaste

Preventive dentistry involves using the right products. This includes selecting the right toothpaste. There is a type of toothpaste for every person. If you want to enhance your preventive dentistry brushing strategy, here are some tips on choosing the right toothpaste.The attending dentist will be the judge of the most suitable toothpaste. The dentist knows…

At Home Tips From An Emergency Dentist For A Toothache

When you cannot reach an emergency dentist, relying on professional tips can help relieve your toothache. Dental issues can spring up all of a sudden, and when you are in a situation where you cannot access an emergency dentist, effective tips are all you have. Some solutions may be quick-acting, while others may help manage…

Restorative Dentistry To Repair Teeth

Restorative dentistry is common practice for many patients during their dental appointments. Maintaining a healthy relationship with your dentist is one of the most beneficial practices you can establish to maintain proper oral hygiene. Your smile says a lot about you, and it is often the first feature noticed when you meet someone new. Everyone should…

Benefits Of Digital Impressions For Dental Restorations

Traditionally, dental restorations require an individual to have a physical impression of their mouth taken. Impressions are necessary to accurately create an indirect dental restoration, which are restoration made outside of the oral cavity and applied at a later time. Dental crowns, veneers, inlays and onlays are all examples of restorations that require impressions in order to…

Recent Posts

Dentist Near Me: What To Look For In A Practice

Dentist Near Me: What To Look For In A Practice

Are you searching for a "dentist near me"? Read on to learn more about choosing a dental health professional. If you are in a new location or just need to find a new "dentist near me," you will probably need to explore a couple of options. Finding a good dentist requires you to do your…

Signs You May Need A Root Canal: When To See A Dentist

Signs You May Need A Root Canal: When To See A Dentist

A root canal cleans out infection from the interior of a tooth, but dentists will attempt other options, such as dental fillings, when possible. Therefore, it can be hard for patients to know when they may need a root canal or whether a problem can be solved in another way. The signs that you may…