Skip to main content

The Basics of a Root Canal



Root canals have repeatedly been subjected to the misconception of being a highly painful process. A root canal in Livonia has the goal to relieve pain and to save a tooth that is infected and through new techniques and technology, it has evolved into a painless procedure. 

What is a Root Canal?

When a tooth has become infected due to any traumatic accident and the infection has reached the pulp of the tooth it can cause severe pain. A root canal near you is performed to clean out the infection that is in the canals of the tooth to preserve it and save it from having to be extracted in the future. Advantages of a root canal include normal biting force and sensation, efficient chewing, protecting other teeth from excessive wear or strain, and keeping the natural appearance of your tooth.

Signs indicating you might need a root canal:

  • You experience extreme pain when chewing or applying pressure
  • Nearby gums that are swollen or tender
  • You have a chipped or cracked tooth
  • Experience prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold matters even when the sensation has been removed
  • Darkening of the gums or deep decay
  • Pimples on the gums
  • Your tooth is discolored
If you experience any of the signs listed above promptly contact a dentist near you to determine if a root canal is best for your situation.

Root Canal Procedure

First, your dentist will take an X-ray of the tooth requiring the root canal before they numb the tooth and the surrounding gums so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. The X-ray allows your dentist to know how infected your tooth is before beginning the root canal.

Next, using small tools your dentist will make an opening at the top of your tooth to access the damaged pulp in the root canal of your tooth. Using a small file, they will clear away the damaged pulp from inside your tooth by cleaning and creating more space in the root canal. After removing the pulp your dentist will use water to wash out any pulp that was left behind and use an antimicrobial solution to kill any bacteria left in your tooth to reduce the risk of future infection.

After the inside of your tooth has been cleaned and dried your dentist will then fill and seal the canal of your tooth before sealing your tooth with a temporary or permanent filling. If they have used a temporary filling you will have to schedule a follow-up appointment for a tooth restoration such as a filling, crown, dentures, bridges, or an implant. The restoration chosen depends on how strong the part of your tooth is that remains after a root canal. If your tooth doesn’t have a sufficient structure for the restoration a post may be placed inside your tooth to support the restoration.

After the Procedure

After a root canal, you need to take care of your teeth and gums through brushing and flossing as normal to keep your mouth clean. You might experience some tenderness in the tooth for the first week or two. Your dentist will recommend that you stick to a soft food diet for the first two or three days after the procedure. Foods such as smoothies, yogurt, pudding, oatmeal, or mashed potatoes are recommended to eat while you should avoid anything sticky, hard, and crunchy.

If you are experiencing swelling or persistent pain, you will need to visit a dental clinic in Livonia promptly to get your tooth examined again. Persistent pain and swollen gums after a root canal can signal something else that is causing you pain and sensitivity.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Everything You Need to Know About Dental Implants

  Unfortunately, millions of people lose one or multiple teeth due to many reasons – dental caries, gum disease, dental trauma. It happens every day, and modern dentistry has brought us excellent replacement options. Dental implants are the first devices in dentistry to fuse with your jawbone. They become a part of your body and anatomy and last up to a lifetime. Our dental implants in Livonia are popularizing every day because of their many benefits. If you are interested in replacing a missing tooth for good, keep reading! What is a Dental Implant? A dental implant is an oral device that looks like a screw. It is made of titanium, and it replaces the root of a missing dental piece. So, basically, it is an artificial root. If you are looking for dental implants near you, you should know what to expect of the procedure. We will discuss it below. What to Expect of Dental Implants Surgery? First, you should visit our dental office in Livonia to ensure you qualify for dental implants...
1 comment
Read more

Can a Family Dentist Handle Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

Are you looking for wisdom teeth extraction in Livonia ? Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to normally grow (or erupt) into the back of the mouth. Most people have four of these teeth, two on the top and two on the bottom, which can appear anywhere from your late teens to early twenties. Many people have issues when these teeth present themselves due to a lack of space in the mouth. This can especially be an issue for those with teeth straightening treatments such as braces or Invisalign.  Can a family dentist help with wisdom teeth removal? Yes, a family dentist can typically handle taking out your wisdom teeth. Depending on the dentist, of course, you can always look up wisdom teeth extraction near you if yours does not! The challenge to wisdom teeth is that there is no routine case; some people only grow one or two while others may have four or none. Typically, these types of factors depend on genetics. It is crucial to find a dentist near you to complete regular exams to m...
2 comments
Read more

Are Over-the-Counter Mouthguards a Good Idea?

A mouthguard, as its name suggests, is a device that guards or protects the mouth. Not only the mouth; also the face and neck. We offer mouth guards in Livonia for patients that play contact sports or grind their teeth at night, to prevent the damage of their dentition. You Can Prevent the Damage You would not believe how many patients visit our dentist in Livonia due to a tooth crack or laceration of soft tissues. Many of them could have prevented it by wearing a mouthguard. If you play a contact sport, don’t hesitate to look for mouth guards near you. Over-the-Counter Mouthguards As dental professionals, we care for our patient’s safety. While they are not terrible, off-the-shelf mouthguards are not ideal because they are not customized. Sure, they may cover your teeth, but they may not fit snuggly, which reduces the offered protection. However, we are not going to tell you that they don’t work at all. Boil-and-bite systems will do if the patient cannot afford a customized one...
1 comment
Read more