Root canals are dental procedures that removes the pulp and the nerve from inside the tooth. The procedure is typically used to save teeth that are badly decayed or infected, and without a root canal the tissue surrounding the tooth could become infected. The procedure isn't difficult, but it does take time to complete. It's often completed in several sessions. Because of this, it's important to obtain quotes from multiple dentists to ensure you find the most affordable dental service and the most knowledgeable dentist.

Do You Need a Root Canal?

While your dentist will determine whether a root canal is the best form of treatment for your tooth, there are some symptoms that could indicate a root canal is needed, including:

• Experiencing extreme sensitivity to hot or cold that continues after the hot or cold item is taken away from the tooth
• Your tooth spontaneously starts to hurt when you haven't recently consumed any food or beverages
• Your toothache has progressed into a severe, generalized headache
• You feel pressure when you try to chew with the infected tooth
• You have an abscess on the tissue surrounding the tooth that may or may not cause swelling in the face or jaw

Are Root Canals Painful?

Many people are afraid to have root canal treatment because they believe that the treatment is painful. However, that couldn't be farther from the truth. Dentists use modern technology and anesthetics during root canal treatment that make the treatment relatively pain free. In fact, a root canal treatment isn't any more painful than having a cavity filled, and the treatment relieves the pain that you're already feeling from the decayed tooth.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

Root canal procedures are completed in multiple visits. During the first visit, your dentist will numb the tooth and the area around it, drill a hole in the infected tooth, and remove the tooth's nerve and pulp. Once the nerve and pulp are removed, you won't be able to feel anything, even without anesthetics. The dentist will clean the inside and the area surrounding your tooth to remove any bacteria, tooth fragments, and tissue.

Then, the dentist will put a temporary cap on the tooth. The temporary cap lasts for two weeks, or until your next appointment whichever comes first. At your next appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary cap from the tooth, make sure that there aren't any infections, and place a permanent cap on the tooth. If the dentist thinks there is a chance that you might get at infection at either of the visits, a round of preventative antibiotics is prescribed.

While no one enjoys getting a root canal, the procedure isn't something that you need to worry about. Not only is a root canal relatively pain free, but once you're finished, you won't have to live with the pain that your damaged tooth has caused. To find out more, speak with someone like Smile Oxford Valley Dental Associates.

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