You have been living with pain in your mouth for a while and the options might feel grim: have your tooth removed or have a dreaded root canal done. Root canals do not have the best reputation but advances in dentistry have come a long way. Getting a root canal doesn’t have to scare you. Not only do we understand that this can be an emotional experience, but the fear of pain can also hold you back.
Why should you consider root canal therapy in Bridgeland?
The inside of your tooth, called the pulp, has blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. When this part of your tooth is invaded by infection and decay, you are at high risk of losing that tooth. Without root canal therapy, inevitably that is exactly what will happen. Removing a tooth creates another set of dental issues that can go on and on if they aren’t treated properly. The space where a tooth has been extracted needs a replacement of some kind to keep the balance in your mouth. The way you chew, talk and move your mouth can change with a missing tooth, which can lead to further dental concerns down the line.
What is a root canal?
The root of the tooth is comprised of 1 to 3 tunnels beneath the surface which are called canals. The front teeth have one root canal and the back have 2 or 3 canals. The canals are filled with blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves, which is referred to as pulp.
Once it has been determined that your tooth is acutely infected and decaying, all that bacteria and diseased material needs to be cleaned out in order to save the tooth. Under local anesthetic, a small hole is created for access and using a tiny tool called an endodontic file, your dentist will scrape out the infection, bacteria, and dead material. The canals are filled with gutta-percha which is a synthetic resin. This pink substance is put into the canal and heated, hardening as it cools and creating a thermoplastic seal. This prevents the roots of the tooth from breaking down further. The roots are sealed off and no longer as susceptible to decay. Depending on the case, some people have a post inserted for extra stability. Most of the time, a crown caps off the top, entombing the tooth and protecting it from further infection and rotting.
How do you care for your mouth after seeking root canal therapy near you?
Pain will begin to decrease within a few short days after receiving a root canal near you and can be managed easily with NSAID’s, which are a nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen which will reduce swelling and manage discomfort. Soon that excruciating pain you lived with for months will no longer plague your life and you will be free to live normally again. Your dental team will advise you that avoiding hard and crunchy food until fully healed is ideal. You should take diligent care of your mouth by brushing and flossing twice a day to avoid further issues with your other teeth. Your dentist will recommend you stop smoking and limit the sugary drinks and sweets you consume. This will ensure the longevity of your root canal and protect your mouth from further issues.
You can receive root canal therapy by visiting a dentist near you at Crescent Heights Dental Clinic. Our experienced and compassionate staff is here to make you comfortable every step of the way. Give us a call today if you would like to set up a consultation or appointment with our dentist in Bridgeland.