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.
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.
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.
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.
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!