Root Canal Therapy In Rochester Hills, MI
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a restorative treatment for addressing far-advanced dental decay that has extended to the tooth’s canals. It involves drilling the tooth, and removing the damaged pulp thereby eliminating the pain and stopping the spread of the cavity-causing bacteria. The procedure allows you to keep your teeth intact, while expunging the harmful bacteria responsible for decay and toothache.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal?
You might need a root canal if you experience severe tooth pain that’s resistant to OTC painkillers. Another reason to get a root canal is if you have extensive tooth decay, reaching the root canals. A root canal might also be necessary if you experience dental trauma from an accident, fall, or physical sports. The fracture might expose the pulp to bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. What’s more, exposing the pulp to the elements could lead to intense pain.
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The Root Canal Therapy Process
Examination and Local Anesthesia
Root canals begin with a dental exam by your Rochester Hills dentist. This involves a physical examination of your teeth, gums, and oral cavity. The dentist will also take X-rays of your teeth to determine the extent of your dental decay. Only cases of decay extending to or beyond the root canals qualify for root canals. After the X-rays, the dentists inject local anesthesia in the gums near the affected tooth to numb the region.
Dental Dam Placement and Drilling the Access Hole
Next, the dentist will isolate the affected tooth by placing a dental dam over it. This prevents saliva from flowing to the tooth and disrupting the process. After, the dentist drills a hole on the top surface of the tooth’s crown to provide access to the pulp cavity.
Removal of Infected Pulp and Sealing
With the access hole drilled, the dentist will carefully scoop the infected pulp out of the canals. The dentist will then shape the canals before irrigating it with water and a mild disinfectant to eliminate any remaining. After, the dentist will seal the access hole with a rubbery material called gutta percha.
Dental Restoration
In cases of severe damage, the dentist might have to cover the disfigured tooth with a restoration, specifically a dental crown. The dentist will take impressions of the tooth and send them to a lab to manufacture a custom crown. Once it arrives, the dentist will fit the crown over your tooth and give you guidelines and tips to promote healing and maintain your dental health.
Root Canal Aftercare
You’ll likely experience mild pain, swelling, and discomfort in the region near the affected tooth after a root canal. This is normal and the dentist will suggest painkillers to help manage the pain. It should disappear three days after the procedure
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is also crucial to the proper healing of the wounded site. Brush and floss your teeth like you normally do, but brush carefully nearly the affected region. You’ll also want to steer clear of spicy foods since they may irritate the wound. The same goes for tobacco and alcohol which also disrupt healing. Call (248) 652-1100 today to learn more!
Are Root Canals Painful?
You’ll still feel movement and pressure of the dental instruments on your tooth, but no pain. People allergic to anesthetics can undergo general anesthesia that keeps them unconscious during the procedure. You’ll wake up after the procedure and experience no pain.