If you need a dental procedure to fix a damaged tooth, you might be apprehensive about what it will involve. One procedure that causes a lot of worry is root canal surgery. But, understanding what will happen can help you feel more at ease.
Root canal surgery is a procedure dentists use to save teeth instead of extracting them. The procedure is generally done when an infection from a cavity spreads to the tooth’s root. During a root canal, the dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding area and make an opening in the tooth’s crown. They will then use small tools to clean out the infection inside the tooth’s root, filling it with material to replace the decaying pulp.
The procedure may take one or more appointments, depending on how severe the infection is. After the procedure, your tooth might be sensitive for several days. You can often manage this sensitivity with over-the-counter pain medication.
In rare cases, a tooth might need a crown after root canal surgery, which will require additional appointments. While root canal surgery is not painless, it is usually no more uncomfortable than getting a cavity filled.
If your dentist suggests root canal surgery, don’t be alarmed. It’s a common procedure that can save your tooth and restore your smile.
