Root Canal Treatment
Z.CARE DENTAL EXPERTS
Saving Your Natural Tooth with Precision and Care
What to Expect During Your Root Canal Treatment
Our team is committed to making your root canal treatment as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here’s what you can expect:
Comprehensive Examination
We begin with an in-depth examination, often including X-rays, to assess the tooth’s condition and determine the extent of infection.Numbing the Area
A local anesthetic ensures that the procedure is pain-free, keeping you comfortable throughout the process.Removing the Infected Pulp
Our dentist carefully removes the damaged or infected pulp from the tooth’s root canals, effectively eliminating the source of pain and infection.Cleaning and Shaping the Canals
We clean and disinfect the root canals to remove any remaining bacteria, then shape them for filling.Filling the Canals
The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material, typically gutta-percha, which seals the tooth and prevents further infection.Restoring the Tooth
In many cases, we recommend placing a dental crown on the treated tooth to protect it and restore its natural appearance and strength.
Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, a root canal may be necessary:
- Persistent Tooth Pain: Especially when chewing or applying pressure.
- Sensitivity: To hot or cold temperatures that lingers after the source is removed.
- Swelling and Tenderness: In the gums around the affected tooth.
- Tooth Discoloration: A darkening or graying of the tooth, indicating damage to the pulp.
- Recurring Abscess: Swelling, pus, or a pimple-like bump on the gums near the tooth.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
- Relieves Pain: Root canals address the source of tooth pain, offering lasting relief.
- Saves Your Natural Tooth: Preserving your tooth maintains the integrity of your bite and jaw alignment.
- Prevents Infection Spread: By removing the infected pulp, we stop the infection from impacting neighboring teeth.
- Restores Function: After a root canal and proper restoration, your tooth can function like any other healthy tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find Answers to Your Questions
Thanks to modern anesthetics and techniques, root canals are typically no more painful than a regular filling. You may experience mild soreness afterward, but this is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
A root canal typically takes 1-2 appointments, each lasting about 60-90 minutes. The time depends on the severity of the infection and the specific tooth.
In most cases, we recommend a dental crown to protect the tooth and restore its strength, especially for back teeth that handle more chewing pressure.