If you will be going to the dentist for a root canal, you are sure to have a lot of questions about what this procedure looks like. Even if you have had a root canal before, many of your fears can be alleviated when you understand exactly what is happening.

One of the first things you need to know is that your dentist has a good reason to consider a root canal. Dental infection is serious and can spread easily, so a single root canal is an important step to preserve the rest of your teeth. These are the steps often involved in a root canal procedure.

Tooth Preparation

Your dentist will first prepare the area that will be worked on. Usually, this involves numbing this part of the mouth with an injection. You should not feel anything once the injections kick in, and you will feel just a bit of pressure as your dentist works.

Drilling & Cleaning the Tooth

Next, your dentist will clean up the roots of the affected tooth. The dentist will clean out the inside of the tooth, which typically involves the pulp. In addition to drilling, the dentist will apply antibacterial solutions that prevent infection inside your tooth.

Filling in the Tooth

Now that the dentist has cleaned out this area inside the tooth, it's time to fill it in. In order to do this, your dentist must create canals inside the teeth. A filling material will be used to fill up the tooth, and a type of cement will ensure that no bacteria can get into the tooth.

Prescription Antibiotics

Recovery can take a few days, and your dentist may advise that you take antibiotics to kill any lingering infection. This ensures that no additional action is needed to treat the tooth with the root canal.

Follow Dentist Instructions

It's normal to be uncomfortable for a day or two after a root canal. It can take a while for the numbing to wear off, and then you should take some over-the-counter medication to reduce your pain. You will be able to eat and drink normally in the coming days.

Schedule Your Root Canal Treatment

Have you been putting off your root canal treatment out of fear? Now that you understand the procedure, there is no reason to be afraid. Schedule treatment with your dentist today to make sure you get the treatment you deserve.

For more information, contact a dental clinic in your area, such as Cottonwood Dental.