Root canal treatment is often the first line of defense for treating teeth with compromised pulp chambers. The pulp chamber is the innermost layer of a tooth, and it stores nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. The chamber is sealed off from the rest of the tooth to protect it against bacteria and other irritants in the mouth.
However, tooth decay or trauma to a tooth can expose this area. This drastically increases the risk of the tooth becoming infected because bacteria in the mouth can now access the soft tissues in the pulp chamber. Root canal treatment involves removing these soft tissues and resealing the tooth. A fully developed tooth no longer needs these soft tissues because it can get everything that it needs from the surrounding blood vessels.
There is no need to be apprehensive about a root canal appointment. Many people believe that it is one of the most painful dental procedures, but that is not the reality. Local anesthetics are administered at the start of the root canal procedure, so patients do not feel pain while the dentist works on their tooth. The injection is usually the most pain that patients will feel during the procedure. Topical anesthetics can be used to minimize pain if the patient has a fear of injections.
Once the area being worked on has been numbed, the dentist uses a dental drill to make a hole into the pulp chamber so they can access it. Dental files are used to extract the soft tissues in the pulp chamber and to clean the area.
Afterward, medication is inserted into the hole, and the tooth is sealed with a rubbery material called gutta-percha. The tooth can then be rebuilt with composite bonding or by placing a crown on it. Here is how a patient can prepare for their root canal appointment.
Powerful local anesthetics are used during root canal therapy, and patients might not be able to eat for a few hours after the procedure. Injecting parts of the mouth with a local anesthetic numbs tissues like the tongue, increasing the risk of biting them. Aim to eat a balanced meal about two hours before your appointment. This gives your body the nutrients that it needs to start the recovery process after the procedure is completed.
Dentists typically recommend not drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment. Alcohol dries out the mouth and increases the risk of complications. It also increases how long it will take to recover from the procedure.
Try to get a full night’s rest before your root canal appointment. This makes it easier for your body to deal with the stress of the procedure, and it can shorten recovery time.
Do you think that you need a root canal? Give us a call or visit our Toms River clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.trsmiles.com or call T. R. Smiles Dental at (732) 505-7055 for an appointment in our Toms River office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal Treatment in Toms River, NJ.
Practicing preventive dentistry at home allows you to reap many benefits for your general health. Brushing and flossing every day is a basic way of keeping your mouth in good shape. Having healthy teeth and gums helps support your whole body’s health. If you want to find out why good everyday dental hygiene is important…
Preventive dentistry deals with dental procedures to prevent dental issues, and it is critical for anybody who wants to keep their natural teeth for the rest of their life. Dentists used to spend most of their time treating dental issues rather than preventing them.Due to people's overly busy schedules, it is easy to put off…
Are you looking into broken tooth restoration options? When someone breaks one of their teeth, treatment depends on the severity of the break. General dentists recommend early treatment for the highest chance of a successful restoration. Teeth can break for several reasons, and understanding the cause can help dictate the restoration. For example, individuals that play…
Your restorative dentist can bring back the integrity of your damaged teeth. Dental damage can result from decay or injury. Your teeth may crack or chip. You may even lose a tooth. Repairing or replacing your teeth is important for your health and well-being. Here are the details about how your restorative dentist can restore…