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.sterlingvadentist.com or call Brighter Smile Family Dentistry & Orthodontics at (703) 994-4044 for an appointment in our Sterling office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Do I Need a Root Canal in Sterling, VA.
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