Maintaining a beautiful smile will sometimes require extensive dental procedures. If you are in need of a root canal in Tracy, CA, you may be wondering what this type of procedure involves. Dr. Ashneet Kaur of VCare Family Dental is here to answer these questions as you prepare for your procedure. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is This Procedure Used For?
This procedure is used in an effort to preserve a severely decayed tooth. In the early stages of decay, the enamel of the tooth will mostly be affected. As the decay becomes more severe, it can reach down into the spongy pulp of the tooth. Once decay has reached this part of the tooth, it can start to cause a great deal of pain for the patient. If left untreated, the infection in the pulp can spread to the jawbones and to other teeth as well. It is imperative that dental decay at this stage be treated as soon as possible to prevent further pain and infection.
At this point, a tooth will either need a root canal in Tracy, CA, or the tooth will need to be extracted. If a patient wishes to save the tooth, then this procedure can be used.
How Is This Procedure Done?
During this type of procedure, the patient will be thoroughly numbed. If the patient experiences dental anxiety, dental sedation can also be used to help the procedure go more smoothly. The dentist will clean the tooth thoroughly. The infected pulp will be removed. The canal will then be flushed with anti-microbial fluid. The canal will also be filled and topped with a dental crown.
Recovery
While recovering from this procedure, it is important to follow all of your dentist's care instructions. You will need to avoid eating foods that require a great deal of chewing for a few days. You will need to follow up with your dentist a few days after this procedure to make sure there is no infection and that you are healing properly. If you have been given a prescription for pain, be sure to take your medications as recommended.
If you would like to learn more about our services or if you are in need of a root canal in Tracy, CA, please contact Dr. Kaur at VCare Family Dental by calling 209-699-6000.