What Is A Root Canal Treatment And When Should You Get One?

Introduction

The tooth structure consists of two parts; the crown and the root. The root canal is the dental pulp that extends from the tooth crown to its root. The dental pulp comprises nerve tissue, blood vessels, and some cells that nourish the tooth.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root Canal Treatment is a procedure suitable for removing infection in the tooth’s root. The procedure is necessary to prevent the spread of infection or tooth loss. It is best to get a root canal treatment near you if you have tooth decay, leaky fillings, or trauma to your teeth. Generally, if you develop a severe toothache, it could be a sign of an infection.

When Should You Get Root Canal Treatment

It would be best if you visited a dentist in Gillette, WY, when you feel symptoms like tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods, pain when eating, or a loose tooth. The first thing a dentist will do is discuss your symptoms and take an X-ray to check if there’s a bacterial infection in the tooth’s root.

Other symptoms of an infected root canal are swollen gums, chipped or cracked teeth, severe toothache, or tooth discoloration.

How Is A Root Canal Treatment Done?

A root canal treatment in Gillette, WY, is often done in three stages. It is important to note that the procedure is painless because you receive a local anesthetic to numb the pain.

The first stage involves a dentist removing the root canal. During this procedure, the dentist makes a small hole on the tooth’s surface to access the infected pulp tissue and remove it. Afterward, the dentist cleans, shapes, and disinfects the hollow before filling it with a rubber-like material and sealing the canal with dental cement. After this stage, the tooth is dead because the nerves and infected tissue are removed. Also, you stop feeling any form of pain.

The last stage is where you get a dental filling or crown. This stage is necessary because the tooth is fragile and needs support. The dental crown protects and provides support for the weak tooth. It is important to note that you should not chew or bite on the tooth till you get the filling or crown.

Root Canal Treatment Aftercare

Although the procedure is not painful, you will experience slight discomfort for a few days. You can use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Other aftercare measures include eating only soft foods, chewing on the side that didn’t undergo the procedure, and taking extra care when brushing.

If the pain persists or worsens, it may be a complication. In this case, you should visit your dentist immediately.

Where Can You Get A Root Canal Treatment?

There are several dental clinics near you where you can get a root canal treatment. A simple internet search with the keywords root canal treatment in Gillette, WY, will give you a list of the best dental clinics. You can also ask your family and friends for recommendations before choosing a dentist in Gillette, WY.

How to Prevent Tooth Infections

A root canal treatment is necessary for removing infections present in the tooth pulp. Generally, tooth decay and trauma are the primary cause of tooth infection. You can prevent tooth infections by;

• Brushing twice daily
• Using fluoride toothpaste or getting a fluoride treatment
• Flossing once a day
• Visiting a dentist regularly
• Using a mouth guard to avoid tooth trauma, especially during sports.
• Limiting the sugary foods, drinks, and refined carbohydrates

In Conclusion

Contrary to popular belief, getting a root canal treatment is not painful. Instead, it is a pain-relieving procedure. It is best to visit a dentist and get an x-ray of your tooth whenever you have a severe toothache. Leaving an infection untreated can cause severe damage and permanent tooth loss