Your dentist may recommend endodontic or root canal treatment when the inside of your tooth (pulp) is infected due to deep decay, faulty crowns, a crack in the tooth, or repeated dental procedures. Getting a root canal may be nerve-wracking, especially if it is your first time undergoing the treatment. Knowing the truth about root canals Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY, may help relieve some of your anxiety as you await the procedure. Read on to learn more about root canals.

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure designed to eliminate damaged or infected pulp to save a tooth, which would have otherwise needed an extraction. During a root canal, your dentist drills through the crown of your tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals and uses instruments to clean these areas. A modern root canal is similar to a routine filling and you may require only one appointment for treatment. The procedure is relatively painless, at least not more than regular dental procedures like a filling or wisdom tooth extraction.

When would I need a root canal treatment?

As mentioned above, a root canal procedure involves removing infected or damaged pulp to save your tooth which otherwise requires an extraction. The signs of a bacterial infection in the pulp can be seen in dental X-rays, but before then, you may have noticed symptoms such as sensitivity to hot and cold sensations, pain when biting or chewing, or a loose tooth. When left unresolved, these symptoms often disappear because the pulp dies.

You might mistake a tooth infection as having cleared if it spreads through the root canal system. Eventually, the previous symptoms will return along with additional ones, including swollen gums near the affected tooth, the tooth becoming a darker color, and pus oozing from the affected tooth. The pulp cannot heal if your tooth is infected, so it is best to see your dentist if you develop a toothache.

What to expect during a root canal procedure

First, your healthcare provider takes dental x-rays of the affected tooth to determine the extent or severity of the damage to ensure that a root canal is an appropriate treatment. Your provider will administer local anesthesia, meaning the procedure won’t be painful and no more unpleasant than having a filling. Before the beginning of the treatment, your dentist will place a rubber dam over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it dry throughout the procedure.

Next, your provider makes an access hole in the crown of the affected tooth and uses dental instruments to remove the infected or inflamed pulp. Once the diseased pulp is out, the dentist cleans and disinfects the chamber and canals to ensure no bacteria remain. The dentist then uses gutta-percha to fill the canals before sealing the access hole.

Your dentist might recommend getting a crown to protect the treated tooth and restore your bite; this may be done during the same appointment.

Consult your dentist at Brooklyn City Dental to know if a root canal is a suitable treatment for you.