The term “root canal” is used to describe the inside or center of a tooth. It’s where the soft tissues are including the tooth pulp and nerves. When these tissues are infected due to decay, the dentist performs a root canal procedure.  

Why do you need a root canal procedure?

The pulp and nerves aren’t vital to a tooth’s health after it has erupted from the gums. However, it has the sensory functions that when exposed to hot or cold, results to teeth sensitivity.

The dentist near London Ontario warns patients to not endure the sensitivity. Most patients find cheaper solutions to temporarily ease the discomfort. This remedy only puts the teeth at more risk.

Teeth sensitivity is a sign that the pulp chamber has already been infiltrated by bacteria. If it spreads inside and cause infection, it becomes an abscessed tooth. If a proper treatment is delayed, an abscess will cause a pus-filled swell that’s quite painful. It may also spread in the face and neck.

What to expect during root canal?

During the root canal procedure, the dentist explains to the patient how the treatment works and how long it will take. He informs the patient that root canal is a four-step process that usually takes two dental visits.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

1. Prior to the procedure, the dentist administers anesthesia to numb the area of the affected tooth. Patients should expect a tiny twinge because of the injection, however, it goes away instantly. After that, he places a dental dam around the tooth to keep it dry and clean throughout the process.
2. Next, the dentist near London Ontario uses a dental drill to create an access on top of the affected tooth. He then reaches the tool inside to where the diseased tooth pulp is. Using a dental file, he clears away the cause of infection and thoroughly cleans the pulp chamber by irrigating it with water. After the residues are washed away, he follows an antimicrobial solution in the chamber to ensure that no further infection will take place.
3. Once the tooth chamber has been disinfected, it’s time to fill in the hole. In this root canal procedure, the dentist uses gutta percha, a rubber-like material as filling. This serves as cover on the tooth while the prosthetic tooth is still fabricated. The patient may go home after this process.
4. After two to three weeks, the patient comes back to have his permanent tooth crown placed over the prepared tooth.

A root canal treatment aftercare is easy as long as the patient understand and closely follow his dentist’s instructions. Consult a dentist near London Ontario to check if root canal is the answer to your dental problem.