Preparing for Your Next Trip to the Dentist

With a little preparation, you can make sure that you get much more from your next trip to the dentist. Your local dentist doesn't just check on the health of your teeth, they can also offer many other treatments. This website is designed to bring up the best info possible about the range of treatments a dental professional can offer you. We will be looking at dentures, tartar removal, tooth replacement and much more. While no one who contributes to this site is a trained dentist, everyone is extremely interested in researching and writing about this topic. Thank you for checking out this site.

Root Canals: What to Know Before the First Visit With Your Endodontist

Dentist Blog

Has your dentist told you that you'll need a root canal, yet you know absolutely nothing about them? It's perfectly normal to be afraid of what you don't know, but the fact that you're already looking for answers is a good thing. 

Here's what to know about root canals before the initial consultation with your endodontist:

What's a Root Canal?

A type of endodontic treatment, a root canal is a treatment for inflammation or infection in the pulp of a tooth. The typical treatment process for patients that require a root canal entails removing the infected pulp of a tooth, carefully cleaning and shaping the inside of the tooth and then filling and sealing the void that is left behind. 

Once your tooth heals, the endodontist asks the patient to return to their dentist for restorative dental treatments, such as dental crowns, veneers, bridges or dentures. This will help to restore the functionality of the tooth but also give it a fuller, more natural look. 

Who Needs a Root Canal?

A root canal is generally designed to treat inflammation or infection in the pulp of a tooth. If you have a tooth that is deeply decayed or infected to the pulp, you can benefit from this type of endodontic treatment. 

Some common signs you're a potential candidate for a root canal include the following:

  • A chip or crack in your tooth
  • Inflamed gums
  • Severe tooth pain when biting or chewing food
  • Persistent tooth sensitivity, even after the source of hot or cold has been removed
  • Darkening of the teeth
  • Tender gums.

If you exhibit one or more of the above signs, your dentist may refer you to an endodontist for specialised treatment.

How Many Visits Are Necessary to Complete a Root Canal?

Typically, patients only require two visits to complete root canal treatment. After the initial consultation with the endodontist, one more trip should be enough to complete the treatment. Most endodontists require that you book a different date for the procedure because they need to prepare for you, and they may have other patients to attend to on the day of your first visit.

Depending on your situation and the endodontist you choose, you may require fewer or more visits to complete a root canal.

While the above guide is designed to help you understand what a root canal is, how it is performed, who needs it and when you can complete it, it may or may not answer all your questions. The best way to get answers to all your questions is to schedule a consultation with an endodontist near you. 

Share  

21 March 2020