Root canals need to be performed when a tooth has experienced severe decay, past the point of a regular cavity. While a normal cavity can be addressed with a filling, which is a fairly fast and affordable process, if a tooth becomes more severely decayed, a root canal is a more in-depth procedure. That being said, it's still common, and being informed about what you can expect is the best way to ensure your comfort during the treatment!
Your Root Canal Procedure
As with any dental procedure, the process can vary based on your unique needs. However, there's a few things you can definitely expect during a root canal. Many people think that root canal treatments cause pain, but they actually relieve the pain that is caused by tooth decay. It's very common for patients to actually visit the dentist because they are in pain due to the affected tooth. Here's what you can expect:
- X-rays: Your dentist will take x-rays before starting the treatment, and often will take more x-rays throughout the treatment as well. This will help them understand exactly how much your tooth is affected, and it allows them to see the treatment progress.
- Numbing: You will then receive a local numbing drug to help avoid any pain during the actual treatment.
- Nerve removal: Your dentist will then drill into your tooth in order to remove the cavity in your tooth, as well as the pulp, and any infected tissue. This is the bulk of the treatment process. In addition to drilling, the dentist will use a series of different sized files to remove the nerves and tissues from the inside of the tooth roots.
- Sealing and crown: Once the inside of your affected tooth is completely cleaned, your dentist will seal it to ensure no further issues occur in that tooth. Then, you'll receive either a filling, or a custom crown that will be placed over the tooth. Your filling or crown will look and feel like a natural tooth.
Root Canals Springfield IL
If you have any questions, or if you are experiencing pain, contact our office today for more information. We can help determine whether or not you are in need of a root canal treatment, and we'll get you scheduled for an appointment as soon as possible!