Root Canal Treatment in Chesapeake, VA

A root canal treatment is an important treatment that dentists perform to save teeth and avoid needless extractions. Many people have concerns that root canal procedures will be excruciating, but modern technologies and anesthesia options have made root canals a generally painless procedure. 

What Is a Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal procedure is done to extract the infected and inflamed pulp from the inside of a tooth. The interior of the tooth is then meticulously disinfected and cleaned after the removal of the pulp. Then the dentist fills the tooth and closes it with a unique rubbery material called gutta-percha. Finally, a restorative appliance such as a crown or filling is secured to the tooth to enable the patient to chew and bite on the tooth without any hindrance. The whole process is carried out under anesthesia, so patients are comfortable and relaxed. After it’s completed, the patients can go about their routines.

What Are the Symptoms That You Need a Root Canal?

There are a few symptoms that indicate that you might need a root canal, such as:

• Severe pain while chewing or biting
• A tooth has developed a crack or a fracture.
• Pimples appear on the gums
• Persistent sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Darkening of the gums or deep decay.

What Is the Procedure For a Root Canal?

Root canal treatment can be performed in one or two visits and includes the following steps:

• The dentist will first examine the tooth and capture a digital image using x-rays. They will then administer a local anesthetic. After the tooth is numbed, a small protective sheet called a dental dam is placed over the area to separate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva during the procedure.
• A small hole is pierced into the crown of the tooth. Using tiny instruments, the dentist cleans and disinfects the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals. The cleaned space is shaped for the filling.
• The dentist will then pack the root canals with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The gutta-percha is placed with cement to ensure the complete securing of the root canals. In most cases, the hole is closed with a temporary filling. Your dentist will remove the temporary filling before the tooth is repaired.
• After the final visit, you must go back to your dentist to have a restoration such as a dental crown fixed, placed on the tooth to protect, and return it to full function.

What to Expect After a Root Canal?

Some patients may experience swelling, sensitivity, or inflammation for the first few days after a root canal. At the same time, others may have an uneven bite or a reaction to the medication provided by the dentist. Irrespective of symptoms, a follow-up appointment is almost always needed.

Call us at Alencar Family Dentistry or Schedule an Online Appointment to know more about root canal treatment.