What to Expect During a Root Canal Procedure

A root canal procedure is an effective way to save a tooth that has cracked, decayed, or endured trauma. The tooth’s pulp, located in the root, becomes inflamed or infected. This painless procedure removes the infected pulp from the tooth’s root canal.  This procedure allows Dr. Strandburg to clean and rebuild your tooth instead of pulling it.

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Inside your root canal, the pulp contains connective tissue, cells, blood vessels and nerves. The nerve has a sensory function, which signals hot and cold temperatures to your brain.  When your tooth is infected, you may experience sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. Intense pain is also associated with an infection in the mouth.

These signs are the way your tooth is telling you something isn’t right and a root canal may be necessary.

Explaining a Root Canal Procedure in 4 Simple Steps

A tooth’s root becomes infected due to the pulp of your tooth breaking down. When the pulp breaks down, bacteria grow and an infection can occur. This infection may cause an abscess to grow on your gum. An abscess is a sign that the infection has traveled past the tooth’s root and a root canal is most likely needed.

During this procedure, your tooth will be saved in four simple steps:

1. Dr. Strandburg numbs the area around your tooth to ensure a painless procedure.
2. A small opening in your tooth is made so he can access the infected root.
3. The inflamed pulp in your tooth’s root is removed and the remaining root canal is cleaned.
4. The canals are filled with a permanent material and your tooth is sealed.

Root Canal Recovery

After your procedure, the tooth may feel discomfort or sensitivity. Continue flossing and brushing your teeth as normal. This will help prevent further root canals in other teeth. Be cautious with certain foods that may break your teeth such as hard candy, popcorn kernels, nuts, and more.

As always, schedule regular dentist visits with Dr. Strandburg to keep clean, healthy teeth.