A lot of patients have anxiety about undergoing a root canal. However, these fears are usually unfounded, as this procedure is quite common and entails minimal discomfort. The following guide explains why root canals are performed and what you can expect.

Why Dentists Perform Root Canals

When a tooth is badly damaged, extraction may be necessary. In other cases, it’s possible to preserve the tooth, which is where root canals come in. Instead of removing the damaged tooth, the dental team removes affected tissue while stabilizing the tooth to make sure it remains intact. With a root canal, patients won’t need to undergo a second procedure to replace the tooth, such as an implant.

What You Can Expect

The first step is to numb the tooth. This prevents the patient from feeling any discomfort. Next, the tooth will be surrounded by rubber material to keep it isolated. This keeps the surgical site dry, which is important for dentists to work efficiently.

A hole is then drilled to reach the inner recess of the tooth. Devices like files are used to remove all damaged and decayed tissue. It’s crucial that all of it is removed to prevent complications from occurring. Once the affected tissue is gone, the dentist will begin stabilizing the tooth.

This is a two-part process. After the tooth is cleaned, the dentist will fill it with a temporary stabilizing material, which remains in place for about two weeks. This is to ensure the procedure was a success and the patient experiences no pain or discomfort. When two weeks are up, the dentist will fill the gap with a permanent stabilizing solution before applying an artificial crown. This seals off the tooth and prevents bacteria from entering.

There’s no reason to fear a root canal when you have a competent dental care team like those at PdC Dentistry, S.C. They’ll walk you through each step of the procedure to soothe any anxiety you might feel. They’ll also develop a personalized oral health plan, whether you’re undergoing a routine exam or require a comprehensive oral surgery. Other services include cleanings, bonding, dentures, orthodontics, and teeth whitening. Visit them online to access helpful information to prepare for your first visit. If you’d like to schedule an exam for you or a loved one in Prairie du Chien, WI, call (608) 326-8458 today.