A root canal treatment may be recommended by your dentist in Orem if you have a tooth that is significantly damaged or decayed, or if you have a severe tooth infection (abscess). Root canals are a procedure that, rather than removing your tooth, will restore and save it. 

What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?

Inside each of your teeth lies a soft tissue known as the pulp. This tissue contains nerves, blood vessels, and the substance that nourishes your tooth. Any of the following can lead to infection:

• A deep cavity
• Disturbance of this tissue from repeated dental operations
• Broken or shattered tooth
• Tooth damage (even if there is no obvious fracture or chip)

The tissues that surround the root of your tooth have the potential to get infected if they are not addressed. When this occurs, you will most likely experience discomfort as well as swelling, and an abscess may form either within the tooth itself or in the bone that surrounds the tip of the root of the tooth. Tooth loss is another possible outcome of an infection, as bacteria can weaken the bone that supports your tooth in your jaw.

Can This Treatment Be Performed During My Routine Check-up Visit?

Your dentist may want to see you again or send you to someone who focuses on the pulp and tissues of the teeth and jaw. An endodontist is a medical term for this kind of dentist.

What Can I Expect?

One or two visits to the doctor’s office are often required to finish a root canal procedure. Because your dentist will administer a local anesthetic before beginning the treatment, you won’t feel a thing. It is expected that you would no longer experience any pain when the treatment has been completed.

Your dentist will do the following things prior to starting treatment:

• Get some X-rays taken so that you can get a good look at your tooth and the bone that surrounds it.
• To ensure your comfort during dental work, numb the region that will be affected, which should include your teeth.
• You can prevent the spread of oral germs, viruses, and fungi by placing a thin film of latex rubber over the tooth.

During your dental procedure, your dentist will…

• Drill a hole at the top of your tooth.
• Take out the nerve of the tooth from within the tooth as well as the places in the root that are known as the root canal.
• Thoroughly clean the interior of the tooth as well as the root canals. A drug that kills germs might be used to treat the tooth by your dentist.
• In order to prevent further infection, the root canals should be filled with a material that is similar to rubber.
• Put a temporary filling in the tooth to safeguard it until a more permanent restoration, such as a permanent filling or crown, can be placed as soon as possible

After having a root canal done:

• It’s possible that your tooth and the surrounding area will be sensitive for a few days. If you’re experiencing pain, visit your dentist for advice.
• If the infection has spread, your dentist may recommend antibiotics. Take as prescribed, and if any adverse reactions occur, consult your dentist.

Getting a root canal requires a follow-up appointment. The temporary filling will be taken out and a permanent one or a crown placed to safeguard the tooth from future damage at this appointment. To further ensure that the filling materials do not shift, a metal or plastic post may be put in the root canal. If you require a crown, this will help keep it in place.

How long does a root canal filling typically last?

Your tooth that was restored has the potential to last a lifetime if you take the necessary precautions. If you want your teeth to remain strong and healthy, you should make it a habit to brush them twice a day for two minutes each time with fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day in between your teeth, and visit your dentist on a regular basis.