Root canals have a reputation of being scary and painful. Of course, they’re never ideal but when you need one, you really need one. The course of extracting the infected pulp inside the chamber of the tooth is crucial in saving your natural tooth. We recommend always opting for a root canal if you have the choice. Upon deciding to go forward with a root canal, you should know what to expect. Below are the three simple steps that your dentist will take to restore your tooth to a healthy and happy state.
1. Numb It!
Your dentist will administer a numbing agent on the affected tooth and surrounding gum of the area that the root canal will be performed on. It is an extremely common belief that root canals are painful but, this is simply not true. If you have ever had a filling (91% of us have!) then you have a general idea as to what a root canal will feel like, as both of these treatments have the same sort of sensation.
2. Pull it!
Your dentist will then move on to the next step, performing the pulpectomy. This is when an opening is created to extract the infected pulp within the chamber of the tooth. This infected pulp is what causes tooth pain, as it puts pressure on the nerve. Once the damaged pulp is removed, the pain will subside.
3. Fill It!
Once the deceased pulp has been removed, a filling is inserted in place of the dead pulp. The filling, which consists of gutta-percha material, is then sealed. This sealant is made from a cement material, similar to a regular filling.
And just like that—your tooth is saved! Do everything you can now to prevent extraction by practicing good oral hygiene habits by brushing and flossing every day. If you are suffering from tooth pain and think you may benefit from a root canal, give our office a call!