An Emergency Root Canal Experience: What to Expect

Root Canal Therapy

The mere mention of “root canal therapy” is enough to send shivers down the spine of many people.

If that sounds like you, you’ll somehow be glad to know that while the procedure can take more than a single visit, it isn’t as bad as you may think. In fact, it’s a relatively common – and important – treatment performed by dentists.

So, what exactly happens during a root canal therapy? Keep reading to find out.

The Root Canal Experience

A root canal, also known as endodontic treatment, is done to repair and save a damaged or infected tooth, instead of removing it. Your dentist may recommend this procedure if you have the following issues:

  • You have problems with your previous filling.
  • You have a cracked tooth.
  • You have a deep cavity.
  • You’re experiencing severe toothache, gum swelling, lymph node swelling and tenderness, and the other symptoms of a tooth abscess.

Here’s what will likely transpire during your root canal appointment/s:

First Appointment

  • During your first session, your dentist will do an X-ray to view your root canal system, which is the space inside your tooth and check for signs of active infection. If there’s none, they can work on removing the decayed portions right within the same visit.

However, if there’s pus buildup, your dentist may have you come back after a week or so to give the infection time to subside, as this may interfere with the anesthetic’s mechanism of action. Before you head home, your dentist will place a temporary filling to prevent reinfection, give you antibiotics, and schedule your next appointment.

Second Appointment

  • If you had an active infection during your first session, your dentist may perform another X-ray to ascertain that the abscess is completely gone. Once your dentist confirms that your tooth is clear of any signs of abscess, they will proceed with administering the numbing agent and then making a tiny opening in the top of your tooth to expose the damaged pulp, remove it, and clean out the pathways (canals) in your tooth.
  • Once your dentist has thoroughly removed any irritants from the inside of your tooth, they will fill your pulp chamber with an inert, rubber-like material called gutta percha, which helps to seal off bacteria from entering back into your tooth.
  • Lastly, your dentist will place a temporary filling again on the top of your treated tooth until they can place a permanent one or a dental crown. However, your dentist may skip this process and proceed with putting a permanent filling during the same appointment if you didn’t have tooth infection or sustain extensive damage to your tooth.

If your dentist deems placing a dental crown necessary, they will likely have you come for another appointment.

Root Canal Therapy in Eugene, OR

At 360 Dental, root canal therapy belongs to the vast array of dental services Dr. Ari Binder and his team offer to help the residents of Eugene, Oregon fulfill their dream to have a healthy, dazzling, beautiful smile – which has the power to conquer the world!

Book an appointment with Dr. Ari Binder today. Call our staff at (541) 689-1645 or use our convenient online appointment request form.