Root canal therapy has a bad reputation as being a long, painful process. You may have heard horror stories about root canals and avoid necessary dental treatment for fear of the pain you’ll have to endure. The truth is that root canal therapy is a straightforward dental procedure used to eliminate the pain caused by an infected tooth nerve.
So, what steps will your dentist take to remove the infection and alleviate your discomfort? Keep reading to learn more.
What Is a Root Canal?
Underneath your tooth’s enamel is a hard layer known as dentin and a soft tissue known as the pulp. Your tooth’s pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When a nerve inside the pulp gets infected, you may experience severe tooth pain and require a root canal.
The bacteria causing the infection are protected and can’t be cleaned out from the outside. This makes it necessary for your dentist to access the root, remove the infected tissue, clean the area, and fill it before you lose your tooth and damage your gums and jawbone.
The Procedure: What to Expect
When you arrive at our dental office, here’s what you can expect from your root canal procedure:
- First, we will use nitrous oxide to ensure your comfort and eliminate any dental anxiety.
- Next, we will use local anesthesia to numb your tooth. You won’t feel any pain during the procedure. The dental infection causes pain, and once it is removed, so is the discomfort.
- We will make a small hole in your tooth to access the infected nerve, which will allow us to remove the infection.
- Once the infection is removed, we clean and disinfect the area and fill it with a rubber material called gutta-percha.
- Then, we will seal the tooth with dental cement.
- The final step involves either a dental filling or a crown. Your dentist will determine whether a crown is necessary to protect your compromised tooth.
Questions about Root Canal Therapy in Winchester, KY?
If you have questions or concerns about your oral health, our dental team is ready to help! At Central Kentucky Dental, we strive to save your natural teeth and maintain your oral health. Contact a dental office near men in Winchester KY, at (859) 744-0320 to schedule a consultation or appointment.
We look forward to hearing from you.