The thought of having a root canal doesn’t exactly inspire feelings of joy in the patients who need them. However, it’s important to realize that knowing a few facts about the procedure can often help you to dispel the anxiety you feel. Check out these five questions and answers that describe what Dental Root Canals Keizer OR are all about.

1. How do I know when I need root canal treatment?

The main symptoms of tooth decay that will require a root canal are experiencing a sharp pain when you bite down on the affected tooth and a dull or lingering pain, especially after eating hot or cold foods. You may also experience swelling and tenderness in the gum tissue surrounding the tooth.

2. Should patients do anything special to prepare for dental Root Canals Keizer OR?

There isn’t a lot for patients to do in preparation for a root canal procedure. In some cases, dentists will advise patients not to eat for up to eight hours prior to treatment. It’s also a good idea to avoid smoking and alcohol consumption for that period of time as well.

3. What happens to my tooth during a root canal?

During the procedure, your dentist will drill a hole in your tooth and use special tools (called root canal files) to scrape the pulp and infection-causing bacteria out of the tooth. Once all of the debris has been removed, he or she will place the gutta-percha into the tooth and seal it.

4. What can I expect after the root canal treatment?

Immediately following the visit, you may be advised to avoid biting down on the tooth that has just been treated. You should also make sure you are vigilant about your oral hygiene so that the infection does not return. Furthermore, you may need to return for another visit in order to have a protective crown placed on the tooth.

5. Will I ever need to have my root canal retreated?

Re-treatment may be necessary if the tooth fails to heal as expected and the infection returns as a result. During retreatment the infection will be taken care of before the root canals are reshaped, refilled, and resealed.

If you’re about to undergo a Dental Root Canals treatment, the best thing you can do is educate yourself. Making sure to ask pertinent questions is essential to having a good experience with dental Root Canals Keizer OR.