Tooth sensitivity is a common dental problem and can be a significant source of discomfort when having hot, cold, sugary, and acidic foods or drinks. Most of the time, you may develop tooth sensitivity due to the wear out of the enamel. However, this may also indicate that you have an infection in your pulp. While over-the-counter pain relievers may temporarily minimize pain, it is essential to visit your dentist for a root canal in Bellevue to improve your oral health.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
This is the treatment that your specialist may recommend to clear out an infected pulp, prevent the spread of the infection, and relieve pain. A cavity or a deep crack in your tooth allows bacteria to enter the pulp. Bacteria cause damage to the pulp and, without early treatment, may cause an infection in the bone. When the bone has an infection, it gets weak and may break down. As a result, you may experience swelling in the surrounding gums, and your tooth may also become loose. Most people also experience tooth sensitivity and throbbing pain when chewing.
Is the Treatment Painful?
Root canal treatment is designed to restore the health of your teeth and prevent the need for extraction. However, among the many misconceptions that bring about fear is that treatment is painful. It is important to note that the pain felt comes from the infection, and therapy helps reduce the pain. In addition, local anesthesia, which your dentist administers, causes numbing, minimizes pain, and discomfort during the procedure.
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How Do You Prepare for Root Canal Treatment?
- Avoid taking alcohol or smoking at least 24 hours before the procedure to prevent adverse reactions with local anesthesia.
- Consult and ask any questions regarding the procedure to understand and know what to expect during treatment.
- Your specialist may recommend that you eat before treatment because you may feel numb after treatment, making it difficult to eat.
- Get enough sleep the night before the procedure to facilitate quick recovery.
What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal therapy involves three steps, and you may require one or multiple sessions depending on the number of canals infected. The process includes:
Cleaning the Root Canal
This is the first step where your dentist removes the infected pulp from the root canal through a small incision on your tooth’s surface. Next, your specialist will use dental files to clean the root canal. This is usually done after the administration of local anesthesia.
Filling
The second step involves shaping and disinfecting the empty spaces in your teeth. Your dentist will then replace the diseased pulp with a suitable biocompatible material and use a dental adhesive to seal the canals entirely.
The third step is optional but essential for protection because your tooth becomes more fragile after treatment and is prone to breaking. Before crown placement, your specialist may advise against chewing or biting hard foods on the tooth.
As the local anesthesia wears off, you may experience pain that goes away after taking pain relievers. While treatment may be successful, it is essential to observe oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing daily to maintain healthy teeth. If your teeth are sensitive and you experience intense pain while chewing, book a session with your specialist at EZ Dental Clinic for treatment.