Things You Should Know Before Getting Root Canals

Do you have a diseased tooth in your mouth that makes you nervous about undergoing a tooth extraction procedure? Truthfully, the threat of losing your natural tooth can be scary. Although dental extractions are necessary dental procedures for treating different dental issues in dentistry, they are not the only way to treat your diseased tooth. Root canals, for instance, have been performed severally in dentistry to help restore the dental health of patients without the risk of losing their natural teeth permanently.

What Is a Root Canal Procedure?

It is a dental treatment performed to save a natural tooth that is otherwise damaged and diseased. Root canal treatments are performed on ailing teeth, either due to dental decay, a crack, or even the risk of infection. The goal of root canals is to treat the insides of a tooth, sparing the external structure so that the natural tooth remains useful for your oral health.

Ideally, a root canal procedure entails removing the internal tissues and features of a natural tooth. The area of focus is the tooth pulp, which houses nerve endings, blood vessels, connective tissues, and other soft tissues. The pulp is responsible for keeping the tooth alive, especially during the crucial stage of growth. However, once a tooth is fully matured and grown, it can survive without the contents of the pulp, more so if they are damaged. By treating the insides of a tooth, a root canal procedure ensures that the tooth remains intact in the jawbone instead of being extracted. This tooth will, therefore, get nourishment from the surrounding soft tissues in the oral cavity.

Important Things You Should Know Before Getting a Root Canal Procedure

During your appointment in general dentistry near you, your dentist will inform you about a couple of things you need to prepare regarding your treatment. However, depending on Your curiosity, you will not learn everything about the kind of treatment you are about to undergo. This is why you must prepare enough for any dental procedure you are taking, especially root canal processes since they are all performed differently. Some of the things you should know regarding root canals before you go ahead and get them include the following:

1. Sedation dentistry is Involved in the performance of root canals – technically, to complete a root canal procedure, it may take a while before your treatment is done. This is why dentists incorporate local anesthesia to numb your mouth. Aside from that, your dentist may sedate you, ensuring you remain calm and relaxed throughout the root canal treatment.
2. Tooth sensitivity is expected – due to the nature of works dental performed during a root canal treatment in Waco, you will realize that your teeth and even gums may feel sensitive after your procedure. While this is typical, it is not always the case. Even when it happens, it will not take long before the sensitivity wears off. Talk to your dentist if you realize that your teeth are still sensitive after a week post-procedure.
3. Not everyone can get a root canal procedure to treat their teeth – root canal procedures are only recommended for teeth whose structures have not been compromised. Ideally, if your teeth have been severely infected and damaged so that the structure remaining is not stable, your dentist will have to recommend a different procedure, usually a tooth extraction. In that case, be sure to talk to your dentist about the state of your teeth before resulting to scheduling an appointment for root canals in Waco, TX.
4. Temporary tooth extraction procedures may be performed during adult canal treatment in Waco – endodontic procedures are not performed the same for all patients. Depending on the state of your tooth, your dentist may have to temporarily remove your affected tooth in order to perform a root canal procedure. However, after the procedure, your dentist in Waco will restore your tooth to complete your treatment.
5. You may need a dental crown after a root canal – although it does not apply for all patients, several people receive dental crowns after a root canal. The purpose of the dental crown is to cover the tooth for extra support and strength.