Root Canals
Overview
A dental root canal, or endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure used to treat an infected or damaged tooth. During a root canal, Dr. Darwin removes the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth and then cleans, shapes, and fills the root canals of the tooth to prevent further infection.
A tooth’s pulp is the soft tissue that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes infected or damaged, it can cause pain, sensitivity, swelling, and other symptoms. In some cases, an infected or damaged tooth can even lead to an abscess, which is a painful, pus-filled pocket that can form at the base of the tooth.
Root Canals
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A root canal is typically performed in several steps. First, Dr. Darwin will numb the area around the affected tooth with a local anesthetic. Then, they will create an opening in the top of the tooth and use small instruments to remove the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth. The tooth’s root canals will then be cleaned, shaped, and filled with a special material to prevent further infection. Finally, Dr. Darwin will place a filling or crown on top of the tooth to protect it and restore its function.
Overall, a root canal can effectively save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted due to infection or damage. It’s important to talk to Dr. Darwin if you are experiencing any symptoms of tooth infection or damage, as early treatment can help to prevent more serious problems down the line.
FAQS
Many people associate root canals with pain, but the truth is that modern root canal procedures are typically no more painful than getting a dental filling. Your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth, so you should not feel any significant pain during the procedure.
The length of a root canal procedure can vary depending on factors such as the location and complexity of the affected tooth. Most root canals can be completed in one or two appointments, each lasting between 60 and 90 minutes.
You may experience some mild pain or sensitivity in the days following a root canal, but this should subside within a week or so. You can take over-the-counter pain medications or apply an ice pack to the affected area to help manage any discomfort. Your dentist may also recommend avoiding certain foods or activities for a few days after the procedure to promote healing.
In many cases, a tooth that has undergone a root canal will need to be restored with a crown or other type of dental restoration. This is because the tooth may be weakened or more susceptible to further damage after the root canal procedure. Your dentist will discuss your options for restoring the tooth after the root canal is complete.
If an infected or damaged tooth is not treated with a root canal, the infection can spread to other parts of the mouth or even the bloodstream. In some cases, an untreated tooth infection can even be life-threatening. If you are experiencing symptoms of tooth infection or damage, it's important to talk to your dentist as soon as possible to determine the best course of treatment.