Root Canal: A Plausible Tooth Restoration Procedure
Jun 01, 2021
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a tooth restoration procedure used to repair and save a tooth. The process is performed on the soft inner part of a tooth known as the pulp when it suffers an inflammation or injury.
The Signs and Symptoms Warranting a Root Canal
- The emergence of pimples on the gums
- A crack or chipped tooth
- Darkening of the gums or a deep decay
- Severe pain when biting or chewing
- Tender or swollen gums
- Lasting sensitivity to cold or hot intakes even upon removal of the sensation
How is a Root Canal Performed?
The procedure is usually conducted in a dental office by an endodontist. Whenever you check in for your scheduled appointment, you will be escorted to your designated treatment room by a technician who will help you settle on the dental operation chair. The technician will also fit a bib around your neck to protect your clothes from stains and spillages. The steps for a root canal Boston include.
- Anesthetic: The endodontist will begin by placing a numbing medication on your gum near the affected tooth. Once the medication has taken effect, a local anesthetic will be injected into your gums. You may experience a burning sensation or a sharp pinch that passes quickly. You will still be conscious throughout the procedure, but the anesthetic will prevent pain.
- Pulp Extraction: Once your tooth is fully numb, the endodontist will make a small opening at the top of the tooth. This opening exposes the damaged pulp for the specialist to extract it using special tools called files.
- Application of Antibiotics: Once the extraction process is complete, the specialist will coat the area with a topical antibiotic to clear out the infection and prevent reinfection. Once your canals are cleaned up and disinfected, your endodontist will fill and seal the tooth using a sealer paste and rubber-like material known as gutta-percha. The specialist may also prescribe additional oral antibiotics.
- Temporary Filling: The specialist will end the operation by filling the small opening of your tooth with a sealant. Sealing the area is vital to prevent saliva from damaging the canals.
How Long Does a Root Canal Last?
Root canals may consume a significant amount of time due to the severity of the infection and the specific tooth being operated on. Moreover, much time is taken when carving out, rinsing, and disinfecting the tooth. The procedure may sometimes require a single or two appointments. Below are the timelines for various root canals in your dental nomenclature.
- Incisors and canines help you to tear and cut food as you chew. They have only a single root canal, making it easier to fill and treat during a root canals near you. Root canals for your front teeth usually take between 45-60 minutes. However, this might increase if you require crown fitting, which takes up to an hour.
- Premolars usually have one or two roots. Thus, getting a root canal on them may take up to one hour or more, depending on your tooth’s anatomy.
- Molars can have up to four canals. This classifies them as the most time-consuming teeth for a root canal. Root extraction, disinfection, and filling can take up to an hour before a root canal is performed, which may take up to 90 minutes or longer.
Alternative to Root Canal
Some of the alternative treatment options to root canal include undergoing a tooth extraction and replacing the tooth with an implant, bridge, or a removable partial denture. However, these alternatives are costly and require more treatment and healing time.
Tips for Selecting a Root Canal Specialist Near Me
While scouting for a top dentist near you, here are the factors to consider.
- Training and certifications: Check if they are certified and licensed to practice
- Extra services they provide: Check if they offer emergency services such as treatment for traumatic injuries.
- Check their bedside manner: Schedule an appointment and do the assessment to determine the specialists’ code of conduct.
- The cost of the treatment: Check if they offer dental plans, e.g., for Jamaicans, you can research for certified dentist Jamaica plain and what payment method they are subscribed to regarding root canal in Jamaica Plain.
- Location and Operational Hours: Check if they have convenient hours of service and are located around your home or workplace.