A root canal, also known as endodontic treatment, is necessary when an injury or infection resulting from tooth decay has damaged the nerve of the tooth. If the tooth crown is heavily damaged or decayed, this treatment may require the tooth to be rebuilt using a post or posts and a crown to restore the tooth’s structure, aesthetics, and function
What Symptoms Indicate A Root Canal Is Necessary?
Some specific symptoms indicate that a patient may require a root canal and that less invasive treatment options will not suffice. The most common symptoms include consistent pain that extends beyond the tooth’s surface and into other teeth, the face, or the jaw.
Sensitivity to hot and cold foods can also indicate that a root canal is necessary, as can tooth discoloration, pain when touching the tooth or eating, swelling, or a tooth that’s loose or has a chip or crack.
The Importance of Proceeding With A Root Canal
If you suffer from any of these symptoms and your tooth has sustained nerve damage or decay from various factors, seek dental care as soon as possible because delaying treatment will increase the risk of more serious conditions.
Those who avoid root canal treatment are at an increased risk of losing the infected tooth. Additionally, a tooth infection can easily spread to other teeth and even the jawbone, requiring more advanced and invasive techniques to remedy the condition.
What Happens During A Root Canal?
During the first step of a root canal, Dr. Wright numbs the area around the tooth to ensure the patient remains comfortable throughout the treatment process. Then, he removes the decayed tooth material and uses specialized dental tools to create a channel within the tooth to access the roots’ interior area.
When this is complete, he will carefully remove the infected nerve tissue from the area and then carefully clean and flush it to prepare it for the next step. Once the area is prepared, Dr. Wright fills it with a specialized solution that seals it, and then he inserts a supporting post or posts into the channels.
He builds the tooth’s interior around the supporting post using composite, which looks and feels like natural tooth material. He then uses a specialized curing light to bond and harden the material.
Preparing the Tooth for the Crown
Once the tooth is built up and bonded, Dr. Wright will prepare the area for the crown placement. He will create an impression of the prepared tooth and send that impression to a dental laboratory, where the technicians will create a crown designed to perfectly fit your tooth. In the meantime, a temporary crown will be applied to your tooth while the final crown is being prepared.
Fitting the Permanent Crown
Dr. Wright will place your final crown on your tooth at the following appointment. Once the permanent crown is fitted and feels comfortable in your mouth, the process will be complete, and you’ll have a healthy tooth that’s fully functional and blends with your natural teeth.
The Cornerstone Dental Difference
At Cornerstone Dental, we’ve made root canal treatments more comfortable and convenient by introducing the Sirona ORTHOPHOS SL 3D system into our practice. This system allows Dr. Wright to take a specialized CAT scan before proceeding to ensure that patients qualify for a root canal.
It uses 3D imaging for added accuracy and precision, creating detailed images of the teeth in areas that are often easily missed by traditional 2D X-rays. With this advanced technology, Dr. Wright can prevent unnecessary treatment, re-treatment, or the need for extractions to ensure the best possible results.
This technology, combined with Dr. Wright’s dental skill and precision, ensures improved aesthetics, lasting durability, and a single, seamless procedure.
What Kind of Recovery Should I Expect?
After a root canal, you will need to plan for a short recovery. Following all the aftercare instructions is key to quick healing, returning to your normal routine, and eating normal foods again.
Dentists recommend patients rest for the first several hours after treatments. Patients may experience some mild soreness, and the best way to manage any temporary discomfort is by taking the recommended medications and eating soft foods that won’t aggravate your teeth or gums.
Patients should avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth immediately following treatment, avoid smoking, and continue brushing and flossing as directed by their dentists.
How Can I Promote Optimal Oral Health?
After undergoing root canal treatment, you can take steps to prevent the same dental issues in other areas of your mouth. Investing in your oral health is key to preventing additional root canal treatments.
Your lifestyle, oral hygiene habits, and overall health contribute to your dental health, so it’s important to invest in your oral health to prevent discomfort, infection, and invasive dental procedures.
Commit to Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits
Taking care of your teeth after your procedure is key to keeping the rest of your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss your teeth at least once a day, and use quality toothpaste designed to promote optimal dental health.
Avoid smoking, excess alcohol, and sugar consumption, and eat natural, healthy foods that are free of preservatives, artificial ingredients, and chemicals. The best teeth-friendly foods include leafy greens, apples, nuts, sweet potatoes, whole grains, mushrooms, carrots, and other vitamin-rich options.
Schedule Routine Dental Appointments
Another way to ensure optimal dental health is by scheduling routine dental cleanings and examinations. Regular dental exams and cleanings every six months will help keep your teeth clean, prevent plaque, tarter, and bacteria buildup, avoid any potential issues with your teeth, and treat them early to avoid a root canal or other serious dental conditions. These routine exams are preventative and will help keep your teeth and gums in optimal condition year-round.
Am I a Good Candidate for A Root Canal?
Patients experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, gum swelling, significant tooth decay, and other tooth infection symptoms may be a good candidate for a root canal. The best way to determine whether this treatment is right for you is by scheduling a consultation with your dentist.
At Cornerstone Dental, we use our advanced technological imaging system to take images of your teeth to confirm that a root canal is necessary and, if not, recommend an alternative course of treatment.
Are You Need Of Root Canal Therapy In The Martinsburg Area?
If you are in need of root canal therapy you owe it to yourself to speak with an experienced dentist as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our Martinsburg, West Virginia dental office directly at 304.267.6059 to schedule your appointment. We provide a wide range of general dentistry care as well as more involved dentistry services for patients throughout the Martinsburg area and look forward to you joining the Cornerstone Dental family.
