What Is a Root Canal?

Want to learn more about what a root canal is so you can know what to expect when you are in need of this commonly performed dental procedure? When you do, it is likely you will feel much more comfortable about undergoing this particular procedure. This procedure is necessary when you have a tooth in jeopardy, as a healthy mouth is one that has a full set of teeth. If you choose not to undergo this procedure, then you will need to choose a tooth replacement option.
What is a root canal?
Wondering what exactly a root canal is? According to the American Association of Endodontics, root canal treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection of the tooth and save the natural tooth. The fact that you were born with a certain number of teeth means when any of your teeth are in jeopardy of being lost, you need to do everything in your power to save it. This may require you to undergo the root canal procedure, which only takes about 90 minutes to perform.
How does someone know if they need a root canal?
The only way someone can know whether or not they need a root canal performed in order to improve their oral health is by making an appointment with a dental professional for a complete mouth evaluation. There are a number of symptoms that can appear when a root canal is necessary, including, but not limited to: experiencing a lot of pain when chewing or biting down, having a chipped tooth, having a cracked tooth, having swollen gums, having pimples on the gums and experiencing extreme sensitivity to hot and/or cold.
Does a root canal hurt?
This is usually the first question dental patients will ask when they find out they are in need of a root canal procedure. The root canals that were performed many years ago and the root canals that are being performed today are much different as the process has been refined in a way that offers a better experience for the patient. Every dental patient will be given a type of anesthesia before undergoing the procedure, which means they will not feel anything during the procedure. Patients can expect to experience some discomfort for about three days after the procedure has been performed.
Are dental crowns necessary?
When it comes to whether or not a patient needs to have a dental crown placed over the treated tooth, it simply depends on each individual patient’s needs. If the tooth was severely damaged, it is likely that a dental crown will need to be placed over the tooth in order to give back its strength. Some patients will only need to have a dental filling placed, as fillings are a restoration option that can hold a tooth together.
Need to schedule a root canal appointment?
Whether you think you need a root canal or know for sure that you need a root canal performed in order to save one or more of your teeth, you can call us now to schedule an appointment. The sooner you do, the better, as the longer you wait, the more difficult the root canal process will be. If you happen to experience any type of dental fear or anxiety, just let us know so we can offer you options to address your fears or anxieties.
Request an appointment here: https://dragonflydentalportcharlotte.com or call Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte at (941) 676-9225 for an appointment in our Port Charlotte office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Related Posts
When a patient is trying to find a dentist, there are specific questions that can help narrow down the search and match the patient to the right provider. You may be searching for a new dentist in the same town, or perhaps there is an urgent need to find a dentist after a move to…
You should not delay fixing a missing tooth. Ignoring this problem can cause serious health problems. There are possible emotional effects too. The good news is that your dentist has the knowledge and training to perform a few different treatments. Each of these can restore your smile and your ability to chew effectively. Your first…
Choosing a new dentist can be an overwhelming task and not one that many people look forward to doing. It is a lot easier to find a dentist who is trustworthy, competent, and personable when you have the right tools and information on the search. From asking the right questions to spotting the characteristics of…
Trying to find a dentist can be a long process, but there are certain points patients can look for to make the search easier. While it is up to individual patients to decide what qualities matter most, these three aspects of a dental office can be kept in mind to help narrow down choices. Every…