Curious about the root canal process? This review discusses the specifics of what you can expect when visiting a dentist for root canal treatment. Read on to learn more about this type of restorative treatment.
Every dentist has their own process for root canal treatment, but there is a general process that most follow with patients. This process typically starts with a consultation visit, followed by the root canal procedure itself. A follow-up visit is usually required for the placement of the permanent dental crown, which completes the root canal treatment process.
The consultation visit is a way for the patient to get to know the dentist and their staff and determine whether root canal treatment is recommended in their situation. There may be other viable treatment solutions to consider as well, in which case the dentist can discuss the pros and cons of each treatment option with the patient to help them decide on the most appropriate option.
The root canal treatment procedure is rarely performed on the same visit as the consultation. In some cases, the dentist may refer the patient to a specialist (such as an endodontist) for the procedure, or they may recommend having the procedure performed in the office. Sedation to minimize discomfort during root canal treatment is sometimes recommended.
The procedure involves drilling a small hole to access the pulp chamber, removing diseased or decayed portions of the dental pulp, and sealing the tooth with a material called gutta-percha. Lastly, the dentist may fit the patient for a replacement crown and place a temporary crown.
It does not take much time to recover from root canal treatment, and most patients are able to return to their normal activities soon after leaving the office. The dentist may provide specific recovery instructions to reduce the risk of any complications during the recovery process.
The permanent dental crown placement is scheduled once the crown is customized in the laboratory, which is typically a few weeks after root canal treatment. This is typically a tooth-colored crown, although a metal alloy crown may be an option for added strength and support.
Root canal treatment is necessary when there are no alternatives to save the tooth. The best way to determine whether root canal treatment is right for your infected, damaged, or decayed tooth is to visit a dental professional for an oral examination.
The following are questions and answers to commonly received questions about root canal treatment:
Root canal treatment does cause some discomfort. However, dentists can use sedation to help minimize or avoid discomfort. Many patients report feeling little to nothing during the root canal procedure, although it may take a few days to fully recover afterward. As mentioned, there are things that every patient can do to help ensure a fast recovery, such as keeping the mouth clean and avoiding irritating the affected area.
Root canal treatment is usually one of the last options before the tooth is lost. While the need for root canal treatment may not be ideal, it does have a high success rate, and it can restore the overall strength of the tooth and its appearance. Without a root canal in many instances, the inevitable result is the need for tooth extraction or the tooth falling out naturally due to damage.
The root canal can be scheduled soon after the consultation visit. After the procedure, the dentist may place a temporary crown to protect the tooth while the permanent dental crown is created in a laboratory. Once the crown is sent back to the dentist, which usually takes a few weeks, a follow-up visit is scheduled to place it over the tooth. In total, the process takes around a month, although treatment times may vary.
If you are having any oral health concerns and want a prompt diagnosis and treatment plan, then our dental practice can help you. We take genuine pride in offering services to address a range of concerns, and we may recommend root canal treatment if the concern is more severe.
Request an appointment here: https://www.villadental.com or call Villa Dental at (301) 409-3583 for an appointment in our Bethesda office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Root Canal Treatment in Bethesda, MD.
Practicing preventive dentistry at home allows you to reap many benefits for your general health. Brushing and flossing every day is a basic way of keeping your mouth in good shape. Having healthy teeth and gums helps support your whole body’s health. If you want to find out why good everyday dental hygiene is important…
If you have a broken tooth, it may not necessarily be a dental emergency. In the absence of pain, excessive bleeding, or a tooth that is knocked out completely, you can schedule an appointment at your convenience and do not need to see the dentist immediately. In most cases, broken teeth can be caused by an…
When dentures break, patients may have difficulty with daily activities, such as speaking and eating. Do not wait until your next regular dental appointment to address this issue. If you cannot be seen in a timely manner, an emergency dentist can help patients restore their dentures as quickly as possible.Dentures are usually durable but do…
Many individuals are apprehensive about finding a restorative dentist. They want a dentist who can help them restore their smile to look more natural and appealing. This field of dentistry is concerned with repairing damage to the teeth and restoring normal dental functions.The restorative dentist must be ready to listen to their patients about their…
Here are a few of the popular treatments used in periodontics to address issues like…
Endodontics treatment, which is the treatment of the tooth's inner pulp and structures, is one…
Everyone should be able to show off a smile that they are proud of, and…
Implants can restore the full function of the mouth by improving the person’s chewing ability.…
Dentists use a two-part approach to deep cleaning.
The All-on-4® process is unique in that there are multiple parts to it.
