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If you have a severe cavity, you might be a candidate for a root canal. Although your dentist will provide information tailored to your circumstances, the following general guide can help you learn what to expect from the experience. 

What Does a Root Canal Do? 

Anatomically, root canals are the inner parts of your teeth. They contain pulp, which is a mixture of blood and nerve tissue. Healthy root canals nourish your teeth and keep them firm and strong. 

Sometimes, a cavity reaches deep into the root canal, infecting the cells and tissue inside. This often results in decay and attendant pain. 

If tooth extraction isn’t necessary, the dentist will likely recommend a root canal surgery, which involves removing the damaged cells and tissue so that the tooth can heal and function again. 

How Do Root Canals Work? 

dentistAfter providing local anesthesia or another other pain management tactic, a dentist or endodontist will create a hole in the tooth just large enough for them to extract the dead or decaying tissue inside.

Then the dentist will disinfect the root canal with a cleaning solution. They’ll fill the hollow space with a rubbery material that will prevent bacteria from reentering it.  

Without the pulp, the tooth is weaker. As a result, the dentist or endodontist may have your tooth fitted with a dental crown as well. Usually fashioned from metal, porcelain, or composite resin, a dental crown shields your tooth against infection. It also allows you to bite, chew, and speak normally. 

Most root canal procedures are completed within a day, as they only take about 90 minutes. You can typically return to work the following day. An over-the-counter pain reliever should be enough to ease any discomfort. More complex cases may necessitate an additional visit at a later date. 

 
 
To find a dentist who will treat your root canal with sensitivity and skill, contact Parkway Family Dental in Kalispell, MT. Their expertise in family and general dentistry guarantees that you’ll receive thorough, compassionate, and personalized service with every visit, whether you need routine cleanings, braces, dental implant crowns, or surgeries like root canals. As long as you’re happy with your smile, they’re happy, too. Check their availability today by calling (406) 752-2372 or messaging them online

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