Root Canals
Are you experiencing tooth pain? If so, it’s best to visit a dentist in Reidsville, NC for a diagnosis. Your dentist might then recommend you have a root canal. But what is a root canal and how does it work?
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal, also known as endodontic treatment, is the sequence that is performed when the pulp in your tooth becomes infected or is abscessed. A root canal is the removal of the inflamed infected pulp inside your tooth. The goal of a root canal is to eliminate the bacteria caused by the infection, prevent reinfection, and save your natural tooth versus having to remove it.
There are two steps to a root canal in Reidsville, NC. You first need a root canal. Then you will need a crown to go over your tooth where you had the root of your tooth removed.
What Happens During the First Step of a Root Canal?
Your dentist will begin by taking an X-Ray of your tooth. During the first part of a root canal, the inflamed, infected pulp of the tooth is removed. Next, the surfaces inside of your tooth are cleaned and disinfected. Then your dentist in Reidsville, NC will take the area inside your tooth where the infected pulp was removed and fill it to seal the space. Some dentists like to wait a week or so before sealing your tooth, so the area has time to heal. Then your dentist will fit you for a crown to cover that space. This step will require additional visits to the dentist.
What Is a Crown and How Does It Work?
Getting a crown and crown post is the final step in a root canal. This step sometimes requires 2-3 visits to your dentist. The dentist will reshape your tooth by filing down the enamel. This is so the crown can be placed properly. The dentist will then take a mold of your tooth and send it to a dental lab to be molded to fit the spot it was created for and so it looks the same as the surrounding teeth. This could take between 2-3 weeks for completion. Your dentist will provide you with a temporary crown and you will wear that until your new crown is ready.
Once your crown is ready, your dentist will cement your new crown in place. Crowns are extremely durable and designed to last between 10-15 years. And caring for your new crown is just like caring for your other teeth by brushing and flossing daily.
Note: You can choose what material you want your crown to be made of. Your options are porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or a full gold crown.
Do You Need a Dentist in Reidsville, NC?
If you need a dentist in Reidsville, NC, please Contact Paul R. Barrett DDS, PA today. We pride ourselves on providing extraordinary care in a comfortable setting and look forward to you becoming a part of our dental family.
