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If your dentist said you need a root canal, you might be a little nervous. You’ve probably heard friends, family, and others talk about how they can be a little painful. Fortunately, thanks to local anesthetics, most root canal procedures involve minimal pain and discomfort. Despite that, you still might be worried about what will happen during the procedure. You’ll find all the information you need below, so you can feel a bit more relaxed when you go in for your root canal.

preparing for root canalThe first thing your dentist will do is administer a local anesthetic. This will numb the tooth and the surrounding area so you don’t feel any pain during your root canal. If you’re afraid of needles, you may want to speak with your dentist in advance about other options, like a mild sedative to help you relax. Once the tooth is numb, they’ll place a rubber dental dam around the tooth to keep it dry and keep bacteria out.

Then, using a small drill the dentist will create a hole in your tooth. This hole provides access to the infected tissues inside your tooth, known as the pulp. Other small tools are used to remove the diseased and infected tissues and reshape the root canal itself. After this process is complete, they’ll spray the tooth with water to remove any other debris and they may also apply an antimicrobial solution. This will kill any remaining bacteria while also reducing your risk for another infection.

After cleaning and drying your tooth, the dentist will fill the now-empty root canal and pulp chamber with a rubber-like substance. They’ll put a temporary filling in place to keep food debris and bacteria out. In a couple weeks, you’ll return for a second appointment where your dentist will put a permanent crown in place. This protects your tooth from further damage.

 

For a pain-free root canal experience, visit the dental practice of Brian S. Kubo, DDS, in Kamuela, HI. His use of anesthetics and state-of-the-art equipment ensures every procedure he performs involves minimal discomfort. In addition to root canals, this dentist also provides cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening and porcelain veneers, so you can feel confident about your smile. Go online to request an appointment, or call (808) 885-8465.

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