Root Canals 101- Understanding the Process Step-by-Step

Root canal treatment is usually used when the patient has an infected tooth pulp. The pulp is present beneath the tooth and can get infected for various reasons. Maybe the bacteria made it inside and infected the pulp, or perhaps some other reason is there. In Grand Rapids, many people seek root canal treatment to treat their infected teeth.

Furthermore, if your teeth are increasingly decaying, then root canal treatment is for you again. Some people may get scared of the word “root canal”; however, they should understand that there is nothing to be alarmed about. Even the severely decayed can be saved using root canal treatment.

The damaged area where the infected tooth is present will be removed, and the filling will be used in the exact location to cover it. This is going to ensure that your teeth remain healthy and you are able to tackle any problems you might face in the future.

People have associated fear and pain with the procedure. However, there is nothing to be so fearful about. Get root canal treatment in Grand Rapids today.

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What can be the reason for needing root canal treatment?

If you have a deep cavity, you might require root canal treatment. Cracked teeth or someone with a chipped tooth can also significantly benefit from the procedure. When you suffer an injury to your tooth, it becomes damaged.

In order to fight it, you must treat the infection as early as you can. The infection can make it to other areas, and the pain may become much worse. You may even suffer tooth loss.

What does the step-by-step procedure involve?

While the process of getting root canal treatment is relatively simple, there are various steps involved in the procedure. Let us look at some of the steps below:

Getting a dental exam or X-ray done:

The first thing your dentist will do is take an X-ray of your teeth to determine the place where infection is present and which tooth is affected. Suppose the infection has made it to adjacent bone structures that can also be found. Furthermore, teeth will also be examined thoroughly, and symptoms will be assessed, too.

The area will then be numbed:

Before the dentist begins the dental procedure, the affected area will be first numbed. Local anesthesia is usually used to ensure the comfort of the patient. The dentist does such a thing for patients who have dental anxiety or those who are more likely to move from their position during the treatment.

Using a rubber dam:

Around the tooth, a rubber dam is placed by the dentist, which helps keep the area clean and dry. It also helps prevent the saliva from getting inside the tooth during the procedure.

Accessing the pulp:

There is a small opening made by the dentist at the top of the tooth by using some small instruments. It is done in order to reach the pulp chamber. Then, the pulp that has blood vessels in it will be removed, and the root canal treatment will be done.

Shaping the canal:

Then the inside of the tooth will be properly shaped by making use of some small instruments. Any remaining pulp will be responsible for being moved first; debris or any buildup will also be cleaned. In order to make canals disinfected, they need to be cleaned first. It is done also to ensure that there is no infection in the surrounding areas.

The crown is placed:

Once the root canal is done, there is also a crown placed over it. This is done to protect the tooth from any infection or damage. The crown can cover the entire tooth and make the crown more strong.

Fix your damaged tooth!

Root canal treatment can even fix a tooth that is severely damaged. Thus, if you have any such thing going on, get in touch with your dentist. Contact a skilled dentist to get the treatment done.