Root canals have gotten a bad reputation over the years as being a painful ordeal. The truth is that it is a last resort procedure when a dentist is trying to save a badly decayed tooth. It is done when the dental pulp is infected, inflamed, or dead. Normally the pulp is a bundle of nerves, connective tissues, and blood vessels, so when dental pulp becomes compromised a root canal is the only way to save a tooth. The following will help you feel less anxious about having a Root Canal Columbia TN by providing you with what to expect from this procedure.
Preparation
After you get to your appointment, you are taken to a room where you will be made comfortable in a reclining dentist’s chair. You will be given anesthesia. It may take a few minutes for the anesthesia to take effect depending on the form used.
The Procedure
The infection will be cleaned out and the decay will be drilled out and removed. The tooth is then filled with rubber cones and sealants to protect it. Sometimes it is necessary to place metal posts, or rods in the root canal to help strengthen the tooth and help preserve the filling.
After Care
After you awaken, refreshed and rested, you will be given instructions for how to care for your mouth after a Root Canal Columbia TN procedure. You may experience some discomfort of pain for a few hours or a day or two after the root canal. An ice pack and over-the-counter pain relievers (not aspirin) should solve any pain or discomfort. Other than taking care for a couple of days to maintain pain and discomfort, you should be able to eat and drink as normal by the next day. If you have pain that continues past a week, talk to your dentist.
Root canals are not as scary as you might think. While this is not the most desirable dental work, it is designed to help you keep a natural tooth instead of extracting it. The longer you can keep your natural teeth, the better off you are in the long run. The Center for Dental Health of Columbia, Tennessee offers root canals, as well as family, pediatric, cosmetic, and general dentistry. Click here to find out where they are and what services they provide.
