If you have an infection that has spread to the inner part of your tooth, known as the tooth pulp, you may require a visit with an emergency dentist for urgent dental care near Marietta, GA. Your emergency dentist may have recommended a root canal treatment. Many patients feel nervous at the prospect of a root canal. However, root canals can now be performed with less discomfort to the patient than ever before. A root canal treatment is a safe and effective way of treating a dental infection while preserving your original tooth. If you are about to undergo a root canal procedure, there are a few factors you need to know about the treatment.
Preparing for a Root Canal
Prior to your root canal, you will receive a consultation with an endodontist. Endodontists are dentists who have received additional training to enable them to perform root canal surgery. Endodontists are experts on infections of the dental pulp. This is the soft tissue in the center of your teeth, containing the dental nerves and root system. The endodontist will begin by taking your medical history. You should inform him or her if you are taking any prescription medications. He or she will then take an x-ray of the affected area to determine what treatment is necessary. If you are particularly anxious at the prospect of undergoing treatment, the dentist may prescribe anti-anxiety medication or offer dental sedation.
Undergoing a Root Canal
The root canal treatment itself begins with a local anesthetic injection, to numb the affected area. Your dentist will then make a small hole in the back of your tooth. The endodontist will use a specially designed instrument to clear the pulp and root canals. After cleaning and disinfecting the area, he or she will fill the cavity with a thermodynamic material known as gutta-percha. Finally, the dentist will seal up the access hole and place a filling or a dental crown over your tooth. You may experience some discomfort for a short time following treatment. Once your tooth has healed, however, you will be free from pain and infection.
