Dental issues can create various aesthetic and pain issues, and while you can visit a dentist to have many of these issues corrected, individuals are commonly fairly uninformed about the various treatments that can be employed. In particular, individuals may not understand what a root canal will entail. If this is a procedure you have never gone through, you might need to have these two questions answered.
How Is a Root Canal Different from a Normal Filling?
When you receive a filling, your dentist will simply drill away the decayed portion of the tooth before applying a resin to seal the damage and restore the shape of the tooth. In contrast, a root canal is a corrective procedure that targets the interior of the tooth.
If your tooth suffers an infection, it will likely be necessary to remove the compromised pulp and tissue from the interior of the tooth. To do this, the dentist will drill a small hole in the tooth so that they can use a special tool to gently remove the tissue from the tooth's interior. A filler is then injected into the tooth to provide it with structural stability. Lastly, the dentist will place a crown over the tooth to provide further structural support to it.
What Is the Process for Recovering from a Root Canal?
It can be a common concern for some patients to be worried about the recovery process from this procedure. However, you should be relieved to learn that a root canal will generally have a short recovery time. In fact, it is common for patients to be able to return to their normal routines a couple of days after the root canal.
During the initial period after the root canal, you will likely experience some swelling and soreness. Also, it will be necessary for you to keep the site of the procedure clean by using a mouthwash that your dentist prescribes or recommends. By keeping the site clean, you can help the tooth heal more rapidly. You will also be scheduled for follow-up visits so that the dentist can check to ensure that the root canal was successful in removing the infection.
Undergoing a root canal can be a somewhat intimidating experience. However, if you are aware of the differences between a root canal and a filling as well as what you should expect during your recovery, you will be much better prepared to undergo this procedure.
For more information, consult a dentistry such as Pinon Hills Dental.
