A deep cavity can cause an inflammation of the pulp, triggering numerous symptoms. If you have deep decay in a tooth, you may feel pain while chewing and eating, frequent toothaches, and sensitivity to hold & cold foods and beverages. These are some usual signs that you need root canal therapy, which is a last-ditch attempt to save your infected tooth. Before you see a dentist in Rockingham, NC, for the procedure, here is a look at the steps involved. 

Understanding root canal therapy

Also called RCT, root canal therapy is a type of endodontic treatment. Root canal therapy is necessary when there is a deep cavity or injury to a tooth. If you let the infection linger inside the tooth, you will eventually need to go for an extraction. Many patients wrongly assume that getting an infected tooth removed is better, but once a tooth is extracted, there is a rapid loss in bone mass, which can create additional problems. Root canal therapy isn’t as complex or painful as people think. 

What happens during a root canal?

Once you go for the first session, your dentist will usually take X-rays of the infected tooth. The X-rays help determine the canals and the extent of infection. The next steps are as follows – 

1. Your dentist injects anesthesia to numb the surrounding gums. If you have dental anxiety, let the dentist know, and they can give you medication that will help you relax. You may feel drowsy, but there will be no pain. Make sure to have someone who can drive you back home. 
2. The dentist will then place a dental dam, which is like a rubber sheet that will cover the infected tooth and gums to ensure the area is dry during the treatment. 
3. The next step is to create an opening on the top of the tooth to access the inside, and while you may hear some sounds, there won’t be any pain because of the anesthesia. 
4. Using dental files, your dentist will remove the pulp, tissues, and nerves from the inside of the tooth. The process is not going to impact the tooth in any way except that it becomes hollow on the inside. 
5. The pulp chamber is then filled with gutta-percha, which is a rubber-like dental material. In some cases, the dentist may first clean the canals and the pulp area using antibiotic agents to avoid reinfections. 
6. The final step is to place a dental filling to seal the tooth. 

Because some root canals are often tweaked and hard to reach, the steps can be divided into two to four appointments. Between the appointments, you will have temporary fillings placed on the tooth.

Getting dental crowns after RCT

After RCT, the treated tooth is hollow and weak, making it prone to breakage. Your dentist will suggest getting a crown, which works like a cap and encases the tooth. You will need two appointments, and during the first one, your dentist will trim down the teeth and take impressions to create molds. These molds are sent to the lab for your dental crown, which is fixed in place during the next appointment. Dental crowns are made of all sorts of materials, including metal and porcelain, and with basic oral care, crowns can last a lifetime. The purpose of a dental crown is to restore the function of the treated tooth, which allows you to eat and chew normally. You may need to wait between appointments for two to three weeks to get the crown. 

If you have any concerns, talk to your dentist in Rockingham to understand the procedure and risks better.