Understanding the Process of a Root Canal Procedure 

Millions of people across the globe get dental cavities, with several of them losing their natural teeth prematurely. One of the reasons why this happens is because many people neglect their oral health until it is too late.

With endodontic procedures like a root canal, you can get your damaged tooth treated and still retain your tooth.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

It is a type for endodontic treatment, which directly translates to treating the inside of a tooth. Root canal thereby, therefore, is a procedure done to treat a diseased tooth by removing the damaged nerves and soft tissues along with any bacteria inside. This is done without permanently extracting it.

Why Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?

Many patients who need root canals have deep dental cavities that sabotage their oral health. While breaks and cracks teeth are also reasons to need this treatment, they are not as common.

The human tooth comprises different layers. The outermost is the enamel followed by the dentin. Beneath that is a central layer that is called the pulp chamber. This chamber covers the root canal, which is home to the nerve endings of the teeth, blood vessels, and other soft tissues responsible for nourishing a tooth.

When you get dental cavities, they damage the different layers of your teeth. Once the infection gets to the pulp, you will start experiencing significant discomfort, sensitivity, and even pain. However, just because the insides of your teeth are damaged does not mean that you should have your entire tooth removed.

The essence of a root canal procedure is to clean out the damage in your tooth to save it. The structure of your tooth can still be secured so that you can keep your natural tooth for many more years.

Root Canal Therapy Explained

The procedure is usually performed by an endodontist or an oral surgeon. It entails treating the insides of a tooth, which is why the treatment involves the following steps:

• Sedation – local anesthesia is injected into your body to numb the site of treatment. You may also need a sedative to help keep you calm through the treatment. This step is important because you may already be experiencing pain from a toothache.
• Drilling – your dentist in SW Calgary, AB, will use a special tool to drill a hole on the affected tooth. This hole is meant to provide access to the internal parts of your tooth.
• Cleaning – the dentist in charge of endodontic dental treatment will then clean out the insides of your diseased tooth. This step entails removing all the bacteria and infection in your tooth. The dentist in Dental at the Met will also remove the damaged contents of the pulp.
• Shaping, filling and sealing – the space left after cleaning needs to be shaped properly before it is filled. The endodontist fills the tooth then seals it, preventing re-entry of bacteria.

Warning Signs That You Should Get A Root Canal

It is not every patient that is suited for a root canal procedure. It is why you must talk to your dentist about your oral problem, to get the correct diagnosis and prognosis. Some of the warning signs you should look out for in this case include the following:

• Difficulty chewing or biting down on foods – trying to do so may cause you some discomfort in the form of pain or sensitivity.
• Heightened tooth sensitivity – particularly caused by temperature changes. It may make it hard for you to consume hot and cold foods.
• Swelling in your gums – it can come in the form of reddening gums, or you may notice pimples in your gum tissue at the site of the damaged tooth.
• Dental cavities and tooth decay – a cavity may not be alarming at first until it gets deep as the infection continues to spread.
• Toothache – the more severe your toothache gets, the lower your chances of saving your tooth. This is why you must get to your dentist early on before the decay significantly destroys the structure of your tooth.