Root canal therapy 101 – An overview before visiting a dentist in Southfield

family dentist in Southfield, MI

Not just kids and teenagers, but even many adults experience anxiety while visiting their dentist. The moment they are notified of a procedure, they immediately have concerns and worries because let’s agree on one thing – Only a few things compared to the suffering caused by a toothache. If your family dentist in Southfield, MI, has recommended root canal therapy, you probably have questions. Is it necessary? If a tooth is damaged, can’t your dentist just “pull” it out? In this guide, let’s talk more about RCT. 

Why is root canal therapy necessary?

Dentists always do their best to avoid extracting a damaged or injured tooth. The only way to save a tooth that has deep decay or an injury that has impacted the pulp is root canal therapy. Adult teeth can survive without the pulp and nerves inside, and the purpose of RCT is to remove all that with decay and bacteria. When done right by an experienced dentist or endodontist, root canal therapy can help save an infected tooth and restore its full function without pain. Otherwise, the tooth has to be extracted, and that can lead to more problems, such as loss of bone mass and causing the adjacent teeth to shift. Root canal therapy is highly successful, although, in rare situations, root canal retreatment may be necessary to treat new infections. 

Signs that you need root canal therapy

There are several telltale signs that you may need RCT. The most common one is a toothache that refuses to subside or keeps returning. Some patients may have an abscess in the gums, with other symptoms like sensitivity to hot and cold foods and swelling. Your dentist will usually take X-rays to confirm the diagnosis. RCT becomes inevitable when decay impacts the pulp. In some cases, injury is a reason to consider root canal therapy. 

How is root canal therapy done?

Your dentist may complete root canal therapy in one or more appointments. After X-rays and a confirmed diagnosis, the dentist will first use local anesthesia to numb the gums. They will then place a rubber dam to keep the tooth dry. Using special instruments, they will then drill a hole to access the inside of the infected tooth. The next step is to use dental files to remove the pulp, nerves, and bacteria. Once the inside is clean, the dentist will then clean the tooth using antibiotic agents and seal the tooth permanently. If it is necessary to allow more time for the tooth to heal, they may use a temporary filling between the appointments.

Getting a dental crown

In most cases, root canal therapy is followed by a dental crown. As the tooth is now hollow with such special materials inside, it can break or damage under pressure. A dental crown works as a cap to cover the entire tooth and restore its shape and function. Dental crowns are custom-made for each patient and can last as long as 15 years or more. Usually, you can complete the treatment in just two appointments. The first one involves trimming the tooth if necessary to make room for the crown. Your dentist will take impressions to make molds and order the crown from a lab. The next appointment is about placing the crown in place. Dental crowns are made of different materials, including porcelain. 

You will not experience any pain or discomfort during the treatment, although some discomfort is not unusual afterward, which can be managed with medications. If you have any questions about the procedure, talk to your dentist in Southfield to understand more aspects, like risks and recovery.