If you have a bad toothache and an infection in your tooth, you may fear going to the dentist because you think you might need a root canal. If you've never had a root canal before, the only thing you may know is what you've heard, and that's that root canals are very painful. Actually, when the dentist gives you a root canal treatment, your tooth is completely numb, so you don't feel any pain. The pain you feel after the anesthetic wears off is due to the lingering pain from your dental infection. If anything, a root canal leaves you with less pain rather than more. Here is some more information about this procedure.

Why A Root Canal Is Needed

A root canal is a way of saving a tooth that is badly damaged or infected. The only alternative to a root canal is to have the tooth pulled. So, going with the root canal is a way to save your tooth and prevent the need for an expensive implant or bridge to replace the pulled tooth. A root canal is actually a part of the inside of your tooth that holds the soft pulp of your tooth and a nerve. The root canal procedure is the process of removing all the tissue from the canal so the infection is removed along with it.

How A Root Canal Is Done

Your tooth will be numb before the treatment begins. Then, the dentist drills a hole in your tooth so the canal can be reached. Once that's done, the dentist uses small files to scrape the pulp tissue from the sides of the canal. The pulp and nerve are pulled out and the canal is rinsed. The dentist may go ahead and seal the canal on the same visit, or a temporary filling might be placed until the tooth is sealed on the next visit. Your dentist may decide to insert medication into the canal to fight any remains of the infection before the tooth is sealed. Once the canal is sealed, restoration work on your tooth can begin. You may need a filling or a crown to cover the cavity that lead to the infection. The root canal procedure only addresses the pulp infection. You'll need a separate treatment to repair the enamel of your tooth.

What To Expect After The Procedure

Your toothache should be gone when the root canal is completed. However, you might have soreness in the gum area for a few days due to swelling and infection. You'll be able to resume your usual activities except you may need to watch what you eat if you have a temporary filling put in. Limit chewing on the tooth until the canal is sealed permanently. Once the root canal has healed and the work on your enamel has been completed, your tooth will be good as new. You should treat the tooth just like you do the other teeth in your mouth by brushing and flossing it daily. Recovery from a root canal is usually quick and uneventful.

The root canal procedure may sound painful, but it isn't that difficult to endure. It's worth it in order to save your tooth. The alternative is to pull the tooth and that can lead to shifting of your other teeth, which can affect your smile. For mor information, contact companies like Apollo Dental Center.