Several dental procedures tend to strike fear in the hearts of patients, but the most notorious one seems to be the root canal—maybe because its name is not the most pleasant among others. The truth is, the root canal is actually the middle portion of the tooth where the pulp is located; however, most people grew accustomed to this term. So even dentists know what the patient is requesting for upon hearing the said term.

At Smile Center Team, we understand that root canal or endodontic treatment is one of the most misunderstood dental procedures. Most people who are required to undergo one tend to postpone it in the hopes of taking care of the issue by merely taking over the counter pain medications. Know that even if the pain does disappear, this may not be a good sign since it can indicate that the infection has reached the pulp. To feel more at ease about undergoing a root canal, get to know more about the procedure first.

What is a root canal treatment?

It is a procedure performed by dentists to patients who suffer from a tooth infection. Instead of opting for extraction, this particular treatment makes it possible to preserve the compromised tooth. As a result, considering a tooth replacement option, which is an additional cost, is no longer needed.

When is a root canal necessary?

For patients to take action at the right time, it is best to know the symptoms to watch out for:

• Constant pain
• A sudden increase in teeth sensitivity
• Swollen gums
• Darkening of the tooth

As the infection starts on the inside, it will gradually proceed towards the roots. Once this happens, the possibility of abscess and tooth loss increases. To stop the condition from causing serious issues, undergoing a root canal treatment is highly recommended.

What to expect during the procedure?

Contrary to what most people believe, the process involved in a root canal is easy to understand. Read on below:

• The dentist may start by taking dental x-rays to know the location and extent of the damage.
• Once it is identified, the dentist would then use local anesthesia to numb the area where the procedure will take place. It is to make sure that the patient would not feel any discomfort throughout.
• A hole will be drilled on the tooth for the dentist to gain access inside, then, all the dead tissues and structures will be removed to avoid reinfection.
• After thoroughly disinfecting the root canal, gutta-percha will be used to serve as the filling.
• Opting for a dental crown after a root canal is ideal for providing additional strength and protection for the treated tooth.
• A few hours after a root canal, patients can continue with their day.
  

With all these pieces of information, are you now ready to give Endodontics & Root Canals in Atlanta, GA a go? Let us at Smile Center Team assist you with your needs! Call or visit us at 999 Peachtree Street NE, #700 Atlanta, GA 30309.