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Root canal therapy is more common than you might expect. According to the American Association of Endodontists, there are more than 15 million root canals performed every year. This process is used to save a tooth that is badly damaged or infected, usually due to a crack, cavity, or trauma. Root canals have a reputation for being extremely painful; in fact, they are administered under local anesthesia, making them no worse than a simple filling. Read on to find out more about this dental treatment.

Root Canal Therapy: Common Questions Answered

1. How Does a Root Canal Work?

root canal therapyYour dentist will remove the damaged area of the tooth, the pulp, and clean and disinfect it. The resulting gap is then filled and sealed. The procedure requires the cleaning of the canals inside the tooth root—hence the term root canal.

2. What Can You Expect During the Procedure?

Before the procedure begins, a local anesthetic is administered using a needle. The dentist then makes a small opening in the tooth to remove the pulp. After the cleaning and disinfecting, a filling is applied.

3. When Do You Need Root Canal Therapy?

This procedure is usually recommended when an infection has penetrated deep into a tooth. Without treatment, the infection can spread to the point where a tooth extraction is needed. An X-ray is the definitive tool in determining if a root canal is required.

4. How Long Does the Procedure Take?

You may require two visits. In some cases, a first appointment focuses on the cleaning process and ends with a temporary filling. A permanent crown or similar restoration is then applied a few weeks later.

5. What Is the Recovery Process Like?

A follow-up X-ray may be recommended to ensure the infection is gone. You’ll have to maintain a stringent oral hygiene routine at home and see your dentist twice a year afterwards. With the appropriate care, a tooth that has undergone a root canal can remain healthy for life.

 

If you suspect you need root canal therapy, visit a dentist as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse the infection will get—and the more pain you’ll be in. For treatment in Foley, AL, look to Riviera Dental Care. This full-service family dentistry practice offers an array of services, from teeth whitening and veneers to general teeth cleanings. To request an appointment, call (251) 943-3368. You can also visit them online.

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