Visiting the endodontist may be intimidating, but this dentist has your interests in mind. If you have an infection in your roots or if there is severe decay in your tooth, a root canal may be necessary. Though this process can be scary, your endodontist has the knowledge and training to correct even the most challenging issues.
A person with healthy, strong teeth will likely never need a root canal. This process is for people whose tooth decay and damage are too severe for a filling to manage. Poor dental habits contribute to these issues. A lack of daily brushing and flossing habits can cause a tooth to become infected or for roots to have problems. Also, people who do not go to the dentist for regular checkups may be prone to serious oral health concerns.
The endodontist will first talk to the patient about the root canal process. This allows the patient to ask questions and express concerns about the procedure. The dentist will then take X-rays of the mouth to determine how significant the damage is. The dentist may also make impressions of the teeth and send the images to a lab for further use.
At a subsequent appointment, the endodontist will numb the patient and dry the area. The dentist places rubber sheets around the affected tooth to get saliva and other debris away. The dentist then drills into the tooth and removes the pulp. This chamber under the enamel and dentin houses the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels. The dentist will also remove any bacteria and decayed nerves.
The endodontist then kills any remaining bacteria by disinfecting the tooth. The dentist may use a tool to scrape the sides of the root canals and will then flush out the tooth with water or a sodium solution. This process also discourages the growth of any other bacteria.
After cleaning the tooth, the endodontist will seal it. In some cases, the dentist will wait a few days or a week before doing this. Instead, the dentist may place medication in the tooth and put a temporary filling on it. Other dentists prefer to seal it immediately. Usually, the dentist will then cap the tooth with a crown. It will be natural-looking and closely resemble the other teeth in size, shape and color. A week or so after the appointment, the dentist will follow up with the patient.
Living with an infection or decay in a tooth can be painful. It may even be bad enough that you cannot function well in your daily tasks. If you get to this point, find an endodontist near you and schedule a time to discuss getting a root canal. This dentist will make sure you are as comfortable as possible and that the results will leave you feeling well.
Request an appointment here: https://www.sheats-endo.com or call Sheats Endodontic Group at (615) 526-2495 for an appointment in our Nashville office.
Having a chipped tooth is not something that anyone wants to deal with. It can be problematic because of the treatment required. Additionally, having a chipped tooth can be painful and make it challenging to eat and even speak like normal. Fortunately, there are a plethora of resources that people can use in order to…
Breaking a tooth can be a frightening time for anyone, and not knowing whether to seek emergency dental care for the broken tooth or wait for the regular office to open can add to the stress. The good news is that broken teeth are often resilient and can usually be restored to their normal function,…
Tooth pain relief is often necessary when decay, infection, or trauma affects the inner structure of a tooth. In many cases, root canal therapy is the most effective way to eliminate pain, save the natural tooth, and prevent further complications. This procedure removes infected or damaged pulp, cleans the root canals, and seals the tooth…
When a root canal fails, a root canal retreatment must happen. Getting a root canal treatment is better than a dental extraction. If an endodontist sees that your tooth still has good bone support and healthy gums under or around it, a root canal can save the tooth. A root canal is a less expensive…
If you are looking for more ways to avoid having chipped teeth, you should consult…
Not all broken teeth are an emergency, though all should be seen as soon as…
Root canal therapy provides a solution by eliminating the infection and preserving the tooth structure.
When a root canal fails, a root canal retreatment must happen.
When sudden tooth pain or injury strikes, seeking help from an emergency endodontist is crucial…
Treating this issue quickly with a root canal is of the utmost importance, as it…
