Root canals are one of the most common oral surgeries performed in the US. According to the AAE, over 15 million root canals are performed each year. That’s a rate of nearly 41,000 per day!
But despite how common root canals are, there are still quite a few misconceptions about root canals and root canal treatment. At Honest Teeth, we’re here to help you understand the ins and outs of root canals!
What Is A Root Canal?
Root canals are quite simple. Your tooth consists of several layers of strong material, such as enamel and dentin. If this tough exterior layer is destroyed by a dental injury or serious tooth decay and cavities, the inner pulp may be exposed.
This exposed pulp can be easily infected by a variety of bacteria. These infections cause tremendous pain and tooth sensitivity.
To treat infection and prevent tooth loss, root canal therapy must be performed. In this procedure, the infected or damaged pulp is removed and replaced by an inert material. After the pulp is replaced, the tooth is restored using fillings or a dental crown.
What Happens During Root Canal Surgery?
Modern root canal surgery from Honest Teeth Dentistry is simple, efficient and focuses on minimizing patient discomfort.
First, Dr. Meinerz will administer a local anesthesia to the area, to ensure minimal pain and discomfort. Then, a dental dam will be applied to keep the tooth isolated from the rest of the mouth.
Dr. Meinerz will access the inside of the tooth, and remove the damaged or infected pulp from the interior of the tooth. The interior of the tooth may be reshaped, and then it will be thoroughly cleaned and dried.
Then, Dr. Meinerz fills the interior of the tooth with a inert material such as gutta percha, and close the opening of the tooth with a filling.
At your next appointment, you will be fitted for a dental crown, if necessary. This crown will cover your affected tooth and be bonded permanently, completing your root canal operation.
What Can I Expect After Surgery?
After surgery, you will likely experience some pain or tenderness in the area of your root canal treatment. This will be minor, and treatable with over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen. However, if you experience pain for more than several days, you should contact Dr. Meinerz.
If you have a temporary filling placed, take care to avoid chewing hard foods, and don’t bite or chew with the tooth until the permanent crown has been placed. Brush and floss your teeth normally.
Recovery will generally be quite fast, and most patients will feel normal within a week of finalizing their root canal treatment. Follow a normal oral care regimen, and ensure that you see Dr. Meinerz for biannual teeth cleanings and checkups, to ensure that teeth remain healthy.
Worried About Root Canals? See Dr. Max Meinerz At Honest Teeth!
If you believe you may need a root canal, or simply require general dentistry in Elm Grove, visit Honest Teeth today. Dr. Max Meinerz will provide you with root canal therapy and an expert treatment plan.
Root canals may be inconvenient and uncomfortable, but there’s no need to fear them. Root canals are the best way to restore your teeth to health, and ensure that you don’t lose a tooth due to infection.
Come to Honest Teeth today, and let Dr. Max Meinerz take care of your treatment. Whether you need basic procedures like fillings, or suspect you may require a root canal, we’re dedicated to providing fantastic dental services in Elm Grove!
Contact us at (262)784-7770 today, or come to our office at 15255 Watertown Plank Road Suite 100, Elm Grove, WI 53122. We would be happy to discuss your treatment options, and show you why Honest Teeth is the best dental practice in Elm Grove!