If your dentist has recommended a root canal, you might be feeling anxious or curious about what the procedure involves. The reality is that this common dental treatment is meant to relieve pain, not create it. Whether you’re exploring other options besides a root canal near you or simply want a clearer picture of the procedure, this guide will take you through each stage in detail.
Root canals help save damaged or infected teeth and get rid of the pain. Thanks to advancements in dental technology, root canal procedures are now quicker, more comfortable, and more effective than ever before.
Why You Might Need A Root Canal?
A root canal is needed when the soft tissue inside your tooth, known as the pulp, becomes infected or swollen. This may be caused by:
- Deep cavities
- Chips or cracks in the tooth
- Multiple dental treatments
- Tooth trauma
Neglecting an infected tooth can result in painful abscesses, damage to the jawbone, or the need to remove the tooth. A root canal in Naples can preserve your natural tooth and support your overall oral health.
Step 1: Diagnosis And Inspection
The treatment begins with a dental checkup and X-rays to ascertain the condition of the tooth in a dental clinic near you. The dentist near you will check for infection, decay, and pulp or bone injury. X-rays provide the dentist with a clear image of the root canals and enable them to prepare the tooth for treatment.
Step 2: Local Anesthesia
Before the procedure, local anesthesia will be applied by your dentist to numb the area surrounding the tooth. This keeps you comfortable and free from pain during the treatment. Despite its scary reputation, a root canal feels no worse than getting a regular filling, thanks to modern tools and numbing medicine.
Step 3: Creating Access
Once numbness has been attained, the dentist then drills a small opening in the crown (top) of the infected tooth. This forms an access point to the infected tissue within the tooth.
Step 4: Removal of the Infected Pulp
With the aid of thin dental instruments, the infected or inflamed pulp from within the pulp chamber and root canals will be removed carefully by the dentist. The inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected to remove any leftover bacteria.
Step 5: Canal Shaping And Sealing
Once cleaned, the canals are reshaped and filled with a safe, biocompatible material called gutta-percha. It closes the canals securely to stop any future infections from occurring.
Step 6: Sealing the Tooth
When the canals have been filled, a temporary or a permanent filling is placed within the tooth to seal and stop bacteria from penetrating. In most situations, a dental crown is suggested to restore the tooth’s strength and help it function like normal again.
If you are still unsure of what to do, visiting a dentist in Naples who is an endodontic specialist (root canal therapy) will give you the best care and outcome.
Step 7: Capping A Dental Crown
On a follow-up visit, your dentist will further remove some tooth structure to shape the tooth for a crown. A crown is fitted over your tooth to reinforce it and improve its appearance. This completes the root canal treatment.
Aftercare And Recovery
You may feel some mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential to maintaining your treated tooth.
Don’t Wait For Pain to Worsen. Let Us Help – Contact Us Today!
A root canal is a safe, effective treatment that saves teeth and returns smiles. Don’t let uncertainty or fear stand in the way of the care you deserve.
At Naples Dental Arts Center, we offer gentle and high-end root canal care customized to your comfort. Whether you’re seeking a dentist near you or a trusted dental clinic in your area, our professionals are here for you.