What is a Root Canal?

Are you wondering what is a root canal? Root canal treatment involves a series of dental treatments for infected pulp. The purpose of this procedure is to eliminate the infection and protect the tooth from microbial invasion in the future. The procedure is also known as root canal therapy, or root canal surgery. Here are some common questions you might have. Once you have answered them, you can choose a dentist for your root canal treatment.

In most cases, a root canal is required after a cracked tooth, deep cavity, or a problem caused by a previous filling. Some patients also require root canals when their teeth are extremely sensitive. After a root canal, patients are usually able to go back to work or school. Although there may be a period of numbness or pain, you should not drink liquids or eat until the pain has gone away.

If you think your tooth is in need of a root canal treatment, it's important to schedule a consultation with your dentist right away. Even if you have no warning signs, a root canal procedure can save your teeth. An infected tooth can lead to an abscess, which is a painful infection. Once an abscess has developed, the tooth may fall out or become loose.

The procedure itself is quick and simple. A dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the infected tooth. The pulp is removed, and the surrounding tissues will continue to nourish the tooth. The process can be completed in one to two appointments. Most dentists perform root canal treatment with very little pain. You can go home the same day, or you can schedule a second appointment to have it done.

A root canal is often recommended when a tooth is suffering from acute pain or infection. When the pulp chamber becomes infected and inflamed, it can affect the surrounding area. It can even spread to the bone at the end of the tooth. Fortunately, root canal treatments can save the tooth. In addition to reducing or eliminating pain, root canal therapy can also save the tooth. If you are experiencing this problem, be sure to seek treatment from a dentist as soon as possible.

After the procedure, you can return to normal activities, but you should avoid chewing or biting on the treated tooth. The affected area will still feel sore for a few days, and over-the-counter pain medications can help ease the discomfort. You should also continue to brush and floss daily to keep the treated area clean. To prevent infection and tooth decay, you should visit a dentist for routine checkups and cleanings.

A dentist can perform root canal treatments on both natural teeth and crowns. Specialists are trained in performing root canals, and they have additional training and advanced equipment to perform these procedures. Most dentists have a specialist on staff. The procedure is called endodontic treatment and requires three years of postgraduate study. After completion of the training, dentists are placed on the specialist register. You should visit a dentist who specializes in root canal treatment.