Root canal procedures have earned an unfair reputation as being extremely painful and unpleasant. However, thanks to modern dental techniques and anesthesia, the procedure is now relatively straightforward and can be no more painful than a normal filling as explained by a family dentist Phoenix. Knowing what to expect in a root canal can reduce your fear. Below you’ll find a rundown on what you can expect for your root canal in Phoenix.

The Root Canal Procedure

Administering Anesthesia

This involves numbing the tooth and surrounding area with local anesthesia which is the first step of root canal procedure. Before injecting the local anesthetic, your dentist will apply a topical anesthetic to your gum to minimize any discomfort. You will be awake during the procedure, but you shouldn’t feel pain.

Isolating the Tooth

This will be followed by placing a dental dam (a small rubber sheet) around the tooth once it’s numb. This separates the tooth from other parts of the mouth, allowing it to remain dry and saliva-free throughout the procedure.

Accessing the Pulp Chamber

The dentist will drill into the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals. This is typically accomplished with a dental drill. Through this opening, the dentist accesses the infected or damaged pulp.

Removing the Infected Pulp

The dentist will then use specialized instruments to drain the inflamed or infected pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals. This procedure, known as pulpectomy, cleans the entire length of each root canal.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Once the pulp is removed, the dentist cleans and shapes the inside of the root canals. They will use a series of small files to smooth the walls of the canals and remove the remaining debris. An antiseptic solution is then used to flush out the canals to disinfect the area and remove any bacteria.

Filling and Sealing

After that, the canals are cleaned and shaped thoroughly, and the dentist fills them with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. It becomes a rubber-like material that seals the canals and prevents reinfection. The access hole in the crown is filled with a temporary or permanent filling after.

Restoring the Tooth

Frequently, a tooth that has had a root canal will require a crown to return strength and functionality. If a provisional filling was placed, you will need to go back to your dentist for a follow-up appointment for a permanent crown to be fitted. That usually includes taking an impression of your teeth and cementing a custom-made crown to the treated tooth.

Aftercare and Recovery

For a few days after the root canal procedure, some degree of discomfort or sensitivity is normal. Your dentist will prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers. Your dentist will give you aftercare instructions, which should be followed, including:

• Not eating hard or chewy foods until the numbness wears off and the temporary filling is replaced
• Brushing regularly and flossing to maintain good oral hygiene.
• Visiting follow-up sessions to check that it is healing properly and to set the permanent crown.

Conclusion

One solution for saving a damaged or infected tooth and preventing further issues is a root canal procedure. Knowing what to expect during the procedure helps to make it a little bit more manageable. If you’re in Phoenix and need a root canal, reach out to your dentist or endodontist to see which root canal options are best for you. Modern dental methods and proper aftercare ensure you can look forward to a healthy, pain-free smile.