If you have tooth decay, your dentist may consider options like fillings and dental crowns. However, when a tooth has deep decay or the infection has impacted the structure beyond the dentin, they may need to consider root canal therapy. The root canals of a tooth contain the pulp and nerves, and when there is an infection, you may experience sensitivity, serious toothache, and gum swelling. A root canal procedure is done to save the tooth. If you are visiting a dental practice in Powell, TN, for root canal therapy, here are some aspects worth knowing.
The procedure
Your dentist can consider root canal therapy for certain teeth in your mouth. For instance, an extraction may be the only viable option if the canals have calcified. The procedure starts with numbing the tooth and surrounding gums. Using a special tool, your dentist will create an access opening. Next, the inside of the tooth will be cleared and cleaned using dental files. The tooth is eventually cleaned and sealed. You will usually need a dental crown because the tooth is weak after root canal therapy.
The experience
No matter what people tell you, root canal therapy doesn’t hurt. Because your dentist will use local anesthesia, you will not feel pain, although it is common to experience some discomfort. You may listen to music if you have dental anxiety or can consider focusing on a podcast.
Safety & risks
While root canal treatment is highly safe and great for saving an infected tooth, there are inherent risks. For instance, the dentist may find that the dental files will not go inside the tooth because the pulp has calcified. There is also a risk of reinfection. You need to see an experienced and reliable endodontist who can perform the procedure and ensure every safety step is followed.
Number of sessions
Many clinics may perform the entire procedure in one appointment, but it is also common for dentists to span out the work into two or more sessions. Most patients can expect to complete root canal therapy in three appointments. You may need to visit your dentist again to get a dental crown, which will be customized to cover the entire surface of the treated tooth.
Final word
Your dentist will consider root canal therapy as a means to save your infected, decayed, or damaged tooth when possible. If you have serious concerns or medical conditions, let them know in advance.