If a person develops serious tooth damage, it may be necessary to undergo complicated procedures to repair the damage to the tooth. For patients that have rarely experienced dental problems, undergoing these treatments can seem particularly intimidating due to a lack of knowledge about what is done during various dental treatments. A root canal is one type of procedure that is frequently misunderstood by patients that would benefit from having this work done to their teeth.

How Does A Root Canal Treat An Infected Tooth?

Root canals are often used in situations where the tooth that is needing treatment has developed an infection. Patients will often overlook the reality that their teeth can develop infections as there is delicate and soft tissue on the interior of the tooth. During a root canal procedure, your dentist will delicately remove the infected tissue from the interior of the tooth and replace it with a specialized dental filler. This will remove the infected tissue while also reinforcing the tooth.

Will A Root Canal Alter The Way That Your Tooth Appears?

Prior to undergoing a root canal procedure, patients will often have concerned about the way that this procedure will impact the appearance of their tooth. In order to remove the tissue from the interior of the tooth, your dentist will have to drill a hole in the top of the tooth. To help compensate for this, the dentist will place a crown over the tooth. This crown will restore the tooth's appearance so that your smile will appear as natural as possible. It can take up to several days for the permanent crown to be finished. During the time, you will be given a temporary crown. When you return for your follow-up visit so the dentist can monitor your recovery, the permanent crown will be installed as long as the tooth is free of complications.   

How Do You Maintain A Tooth That Has Received A Root Canal Procedure?

After undergoing your root canal, you may assume that your tooth will require extensive and ongoing maintenance to avoid problems. However, a tooth that has undergone a root canal will not be difficult to maintain. The crown will greatly reduce the amount of care that the tooth will require by protecting it. However, it is still necessary to have it professionally cleaned twice a year as food particles, plaque and other substances can gradually work underneath the crown. These regular cleanings will help to remove these substances before they can cause cavities or other complications by getting under the crown.

For more information about root canals contact a dentist, such as Sedation Dentistry Center. They should be able to answer any questions and put your mind at ease if you are concerned about having this procedure done.

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