Sometimes, a tooth can’t be fixed with a simple filling. When decay is deep into the core of the tooth, also called the pulp, then the tooth might need root canal treatment. Root canal treatment is also needed when the tooth is infected, abscessed, or dead. This treatment allows the tooth to stay in the mouth while treating the decay and removing the pain.
How are root canal treatments performed?
Commonly shortened to ‘root canal,’ root canal treatments remove the nerve and pulp of the tooth. The dentist uses small files to clean the inside of the tooth and remove any infection. The dentist also measures the length of the tooth so that they can use tools that aren’t too big or too small for the tooth. The inside of the tooth, also called the pulp chamber, is then flushed and sterilized with a few chemicals to clean out any bacteria that could compromise the success of the root canal.
The pulp is then dried, sealed, and filled with a special material called gutta percha. This material is used because it helps seal the tooth from any infection, is biocompatible with the body, and it is visible in an X-ray. After the gutta percha is placed, the dentist will put a filling or a crown over the tooth to protect it.
Root Canal Treatment Recovery
Root canal treatments have a high success rate and can prolong the health of your smile for years to come. Your FourPoints Health dentist will give you specific instructions for proper care and recovery after your root canal treatment. Most patients return to their normal activities the day after the procedure, but mild soreness for three to five days is to be expected. You should not have severe pain, so over-the-counter pain management is sufficient.
At FourPoints Health, we perform simple and straight-forward root canals in Cedar City and Richfield, along with cleanings, fillings, crowns, dentures, and extractions on a sliding-fee scale. To learn more, click here.
