Root Canal Treatment With Gables Sedation Dentistry

Root canals are caused by infections or injuries that are so great, they travel into the root of a tooth. Under the white layer of the teeth (the enamel), there is a hard layer called the dentine. Below the dentine is a soft tissue- this is called the pulp. The pulp is made of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue; all the ingredients necessary to nourish your tooth’s growth. When the tooth is all grown up, that pulp can be a destination for infection. Treating a root canal involves removing the infected pulp; a substance the grown tooth no longer needs to grow or to stay nourished.

Root Canal Treatment

There is nothing to be worried about. Because of the pain patients tend to feel leading up to the procedure, root canals get a bad rep. It’s important to remember that the pain is only caused by the root infection; the canal procedure will alleviate the discomfort. Root Canal treatment is comfortable, quick and saves your natural tooth from any future pain or discomfort. Understanding exactly what you are getting into can help keep tension at bay and make treatment and recovery so much more enjoyable.

Complete Steps of a Root Canal Procedure

• The first step of a root canal procedure is the assessment of the extent of the damage to the root.
• The dentist numbers the tooth by making an opening in the crown, which allows space to the pulp chamber.
• Once the dentist is in the chamber, they can remove the pulp or clean out the infection. The dentist uses special files for cleaning and extractions and to shape the canal for the filling material. Although the tooth does not need the pulp, the dentist will replace it with a similar material. Once the canals are paved, the chambers and surrounding areas are irrigated to clean out the canals and remove any debris that might have fallen during canal excavation.
• Now it’s time to fill the canals with a permanent material. Usually, the dentist will special filling substance called gutta-percha, which is especially effective at keeping canals infection and contamination-free.
• Once the material is placed, a temporary filling gets placed on top to seal the opening. This ensures that no particles can get into the recovering wound and cause infection or trouble during the healing process. The temporary filling is only used until a permanent dental crown is placed on top of the tooth. The crown (commonly called a cap, too!) is designed to blend in with the remaining teeth.
• If the dentist has any concern over the crown staying in place, they will situate a post into the root. Think of the post just like a tent stake, providing stability between the ground and then tent. Although it’s unlikely that the tent will venture from its position, the stakes keep the temporary housing fixed and unmoving. The tooth post runs between the root and crown, right next to the filling material.
• Finally, the crown is cemented into place.

After your root canal treatment, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene so that your mouth heals quickly and permanently.

Top Root Canal Recovery Tips:

• Brush twice a day and floss at least once
• Visit the dentist regularly
• Avoid hard foods like ice or almonds that require forceful chewing. This could cause a tooth to break, jeopardizing the already fixed root canal.

If you are experiencing root canal pain, schedule an appointment with Gables Sedation Dentistry. The procedure is quick, effective and will you have pain-free days in no time at all.