There have been increasing numbers of root canals performed on teeth in the past decade because of its popularity among dentists. The root canal procedure consists of removing the pulp from inside a tooth and replacing it with a rubber-like material before going ahead with the actual filling. Although it has been known for its efficiency, Root canal procedure comes with the fear of the injection or pain during the process. Not to mention that it is usually done on one tooth at a time. As such, you need to make sure that you have the procedure done by a specialist in root canals in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY. Here is everything you need to know about this treatment.
Who Needs This Treatment?
Root canal treatment is usually conducted on decayed and dead teeth, which you can’t save through a regular filling. Though exposed to nerve damage, the roots of the tooth remain vital until they are destroyed by decay or injury. Should this happen, you need to get a root canal procedure done as soon as possible to save the tooth.
You may also need a root canal if you have an abscessed tooth, a damaged or cracked tooth or if you are experiencing a severe toothache.
How to Prepare
Before having root canal treatment, there are a few things you might want to take note of. First off, make sure that you have stopped consuming aspirin or ibuprofen at least two weeks before the time your dentist schedules the procedure. These medications can thin your blood and thus increase bleeding during treatment. You should also stop smoking for the same reason.
As for food and drink, you should refrain from eating anything six hours before your appointment or do it after the treatment. This is good to ensure that no food particles get stuck during the procedure and affect your healing process. Also, avoid drinking with a straw as it might disturb the material inside the canal.
Who to Expect During Treatment
A dentist usually does a root canal treatment, but an endodontist can also perform it. The two are very similar in terms of training and expertise, but an endodontist performs these procedures daily while dentists only treat the teeth when there is something wrong with them.
For this procedure, you will be made to sit in a dental chair while the dentist puts some medication on your gums. You will feel numbness in your mouth, after which he/she will drill deeper into the affected tooth. Your gum may bleed during the process, but it should stop quickly even before you know it. After removing all infected tissues from your tooth, the dentist will clean it up before filling the canal with a rubber-like material. He/she will then smooth out the roots and place a temporary filling on top of it.
In summary, a root canal is a life-saving procedure that treats infected and dead teeth. Dentists or endodontists usually do it under local anesthesia. For further information, you can consult your dentist about the procedure.