The words ‘root canal’ send shivers down the spines of many people potentially facing that issue. But it is not nearly as harrowing or intimidating as it seems. Root canals are done every single day by the Emergency Dentist in Lehigh Valley, and they typically ward off infections for a long period of time.
So what is a root canal? Well, teeth become decayed over time, especially with poor oral hygiene. In this decaying process, the surrounding tissue and nerves around the teeth will essentially vanish. This leaves a very small and almost microscopic gap in the teeth, which is known as the pulp. This would not generally be a problem if this did not leave the area vulnerable to an infection. And, because infections spread in open areas (which is why wounds are covered, for example), bacteria can get into this gap and cause an infection.
A root canal is the process of filling in that gap left by the now vanished pulp, and making it theoretically invulnerable to infection. This area is called the pulp cavity, and it is the main area of concern in the root canal treatment process.
* There are three core steps to the process. Hopefully this will shed some light on how it works.
* The gums and teeth are numbed with either a anesthetic or a jelly substance. Often times, dentists use both.
* The Emergency Dentist in Lehigh Valley uses a small sheet to separate the decayed tooth from the surrounding teeth in an effort to isolate it and focus their work.
* Any excess pulp is removed from the tooth. This is common if it is only half decayed. In case of an already present infection, this process will require removal of all infectious bacteria. Sometimes, it may require new Dental Implants.
* The Emergency Dentist in Lehigh Valley applies a filling.
After the filling is applied, a cap is used to cover the tooth and protect it again from any infection. The tooth is vulnerable now and this cap will keep it cased. Dentists may apply a temporary crown here and after a period of time will have a patient come back for a new and more permanent crown. This is how it works almost every time out. As readers can see, the process is pretty simple. There is no reason to be afraid of something that is done every day with no consequences. Visit Bethlehem Family Dental PC for more information.
