A root canal is a dental procedure performed to treat infection or damage within a tooth's pulp, which is the innermost layer containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, trauma, or repeated dental procedures, it can cause severe pain, sensitivity, and swelling.
During a root canal procedure, the infected or damaged pulp is removed, the root canal system is cleaned, disinfected, and sealed, and the tooth is restored with a dental crown or filling. Root canals are necessary to alleviate pain, preserve the natural tooth structure, prevent the spread of infection, and restore oral health and function.
The root canal procedure typically begins with an initial evaluation and diagnosis by dentist in Flat Rock, NC , may suspect that the pulp of your tooth is infected or inflamed. Our dentist will determine whether root canal therapy is necessary to save the tooth through a thorough examination, including X-rays, to assess the extent of damage.
Once the decision is made to proceed with root canal therapy, our dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the affected area and ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Next, a rubber or dental dam is placed around the tooth to isolate and keep it clean and dry during the procedure. The dentist will then create an access opening in the top of the tooth to reach the infected or damaged pulp.
Our dentist will carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth and root canals using specialized instruments. This process involves cleaning and shaping the root canal system to eliminate bacteria, debris, and infected tissue. The dentist may use irrigating solutions to flush out any remaining debris and disinfect the root canals thoroughly, ensuring a clean and sterile environment for the next step of the procedure.
Once the root canals are cleaned and shaped, they are filled and sealed with a biocompatible gutta-percha material to prevent recontamination and seal off the tooth from bacteria. A temporary filling may sometimes be placed in the access opening to protect the tooth between appointments. After the root canals are sealed, the dentist will restore the tooth's structure and function with a permanent filling or crown to strengthen and protect it from further damage.
Depending on the extent of damage to the tooth, a final restoration, such as a dental crown, may be placed to restore its shape, size, and appearance. The crown protects the tooth and restores its functionality, allowing you to bite and chew comfortably. After the root canal procedure is complete, our dentist will provide instructions for postoperative care and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure the success of the treatment.
Root canal treatment is a lifeline for individuals grappling with severe tooth decay, infection, or trauma, offering a chance to preserve natural teeth and maintain oral health. If you're experiencing persistent tooth pain, sensitivity, or other symptoms of pulp damage, visit Upwards Dental at 777 S Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731, or call (828) 595-9177 to determine if root canal treatment is the right solution for you.
777 S Allen Road,
Flat Rock, NC 28731
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TUE - FRI8:00 am - 4:00 pm
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