Decay, injuries, or gum disease can impact your teeth in numerous ways. If you have deep decay in a tooth that has caused an infection of the pulp, you will usually need root canal procedure. Also called RCT, this is a common endodontic procedure to save an infected tooth, or else you will need to get the tooth extracted, which has additional complications. Ensure you choose a gentle dentist in Floral Park, NY, for the procedure to minimize discomfort. In this post, let’s learn more about RCT.
- Step 1: Your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the tooth. This step is critical for ensuring you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.
- Step 2: After placing a rubber dam, your dentist will create an access opening on the tooth, which will help reach the pulp.
- Step 3: Your dentist will use root canal files inside the opening to remove bacteria, nerves, and blood vessels. This can take some time.
- Step 4: The next step is to clean the tooth from the inside, for which special antibacterial washes and cleansers are used.
- Step 5: Your dentist will then seal the tooth with a permanent filling. If you need multiple appointments for the procedure, a temporary filling is usually used.
Things to know
Many clinics have facilities to complete root canal therapy in one appointment, but if your dentist finds it helpful to wait some time for the tooth to heal, you may need three to four sessions. As the pulp is removed, the tooth becomes hollow and could break under pressure. To address this concern, your dentist will recommend a crown, which works like a cap for your teeth. A dental crown encases a tooth and strengthens it so you can eat normally. Getting the crown will take at least two appointments after root canal therapy. Your dentist will take impressions of your tooth and order the crown from a lab.
Is root canal therapy safe?
Root canal therapy is a standard dental procedure and the most effective option to save an infected tooth. If you have anxiety about such procedures, let your dentist know, and they will ensure you feel at ease.
With root canal therapy, it can take a while for the inflammation to go down, and you may experience some pain and inflammation until the tooth heals. Talk to your dentist to learn more details and discuss the costs.