Your Quick Guide to Root Canal Treatment

If you have an infected or decayed tooth, your dentist may recommend what is called a “root canal treatment,” simply called RCT. The procedure involves removing the pulp inside the infected tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Check for top clinics like The Dental Design Studios for consultation and treatment in Houston. Before you step in, here’s what you must know about root canal treatment.

When is root canal treatment considered?

There are evident signs of tooth infection, including severe or unbearable tooth pain, increased sensitivity, and discoloration. Patients also complain of pain in the gums, besides swelling and tenderness. If you have evident signs, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy. Patients don’t have any symptoms in some cases, but a deeper cavity is detected after a dental exam.

Does root canal treatment hurt?

It depends. Ideally, root canals shouldn’t hurt. Patients often suffer from discomfort and anxiety during the procedure, but there is typically no pain. The dentist will remove the pulp inside the tooth and clean it thoroughly before filling. A root canal treatment is the best way to preserve a natural tooth that’s infected but doesn’t require extraction. If you are wondering, the pulp (also called the soft center of the tooth) is unnecessary for the tooth’s health and can be safely removed. Once the pulp is removed, the dentist will use a crown to seal the tooth.

How many appointments are required?

During the first appointment, your dentist will explain the need for endodontic treatment and the root canal procedure. The dentist will order a few X-rays of the mouth to determine the infection. If you agree to the procedure, the dentist will use a local anesthetic agent and remove the soft pulp from the tooth. Next, the center of the infected tooth will be cleaned to get rid of bacterial growth, following which a special material will be used to fill the tooth cavity. You will come back for a second appointment to get the crown. Some patients may need more than a couple of sessions during root canal treatment, depending on the extent of infection.

Following the root canal procedure, there can be some swelling in the gums. Your dentist may ask you to eat soft foods until you get a permanent crown on the treated tooth. Pain medications can help manage the pain, although that’s not very common. Talk to a dentist today to know about root canal treatment.