Root canal therapy, which is more commonly referred to as a root canal, is completed when damage or decay has killed a tooth. During the procedure, your dentist will remove the remaining pulp that is in the center of the dead tooth and then fill the cavity where the pulp used to reside. Also, your Endodontist in Wilmington NC will provide some pain reducing techniques to reduce the discomfort that you experience. It is important to have this procedure completed to prevent the pulp that is in the tooth from becoming infected and spreading to other, healthy teeth. Root canal treatment is also a cosmetic dentistry procedure that will treat an infection that has already occurred in an abscessed tooth. The procedure will help to relieve a persistent toothache, promote healing of the tooth and stop the spread of the infection.
Pain Treatment Prior to Root Canal Treatment
The first thing that your dentist will do is to numb your gums around the affected tooth with a substance that resembles jelly. After the gums are completely numb, the dentist will inject the local anesthetic that will provide complete numbing for your skin, gums, teeth and tongue in the area where the root canal will be performed. In some cases, such as for extremely nervous or anxious patients, nitrous oxide gas is given to help the patient relax.
Pain Treatment after a Root Canal Treatment
Once the procedure is complete, your mouth will remain numb for a few hours until the anesthetic has the chance to wear off. Once this numbing effect has dissipated, you will likely experience throbbing pain, which is able to be treated with acetaminophen, ibuprofen or a stronger pain reliever that is prescribed by your dentist. In most cases the pain will only last for a day or two. If you experience pain for longer than this, you should return to the dentist as there could be a more serious problem.
Why is a Root Canal Performed?
A root canal treatment is a procedure that is completed when tooth decay is present that will, or already has, caused permanent damage to the pulp in one, or more, teeth. It is important to have the procedure done as soon as the issue is recognized to avoid more severe problems, including a bacterial infection that reaches the bloodstream.
Do you need an Endodontist in Wilmington NC? If so, contact Coastal Smiles Family Dentistry today. They are one of the leading clinics in the Wilmington area.
