Overview of the Procedure for a Root Canal

Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay 

Ensuring that you take good care of your teeth is very important. While most people will try to brush and floss a couple of times per day and go to a dentist for checkups and formal cleanings, they will also likely require additional dental work at some point. One procedure that you may need to receive from a dental care provider is a root canal. This is a relatively common procedure that will help to alleviate tooth infections and help the pain subside.

Signs that You Need a Root Canal

There are several signs that you will need to have a root canal. Some of the most common symptoms associated with the need for root canals are if you have persistent pain in your teeth, if your gums are swollen, or if there is a pain in your jaw and ear. While these are common symptoms associated with other dental challenges, they could indicate that you have an infection that will require a root canal. You should visit your dentist as soon as you can to determine if a root canal is right for you.

What is a Root Canal?

If a tooth has suffered trauma or decay that has gone untreated, it could start to expose the root of your tooth. This can then cause an infection in both the nerve and pulp of your teeth. This can cause a serious amount of pain and sensitivity in your teeth, gums, jaw, and even ear. Waiting too long to have it taken care of will also make the symptoms worse. 

When you see a professional for a root canal, the procedure will focus on removing the infected nerve and pulp. Once that is done, the tooth will be fully cleaned out to remove any debris before being filled. The professional will then place a crown on the tooth to keep it protected going forward. You may be prescribed antibiotics and other pain medication to use for some time following the procedure. Having a root canal is often a preferred method when compared to full tooth extraction as you will continue to be able to use the tooth and will not have to replace it with expensive dental implants. 

Do you have tooth problems? If so, it is important to visit a dental care provider as soon as you can to determine what is causing your pain and discomfort. Waiting too long to have your tooth checked out will cause serious problems in the long run. When you come in to see a professional, you can find out if your issues necessitate a root canal and you can also learn more about the procedure before receiving the care that you need to feel better.