If you have been experiencing sensitivity in a tooth, it may be time to see a dentist. Many times, this sensitivity is due to a cavity. If caught early enough, this cavity can be filled and you can easily be on your way. If the cavity is left alone for too long it can turn into a much bigger problem and require a root canal procedure leesburg, va. This procedure is ultimately meant to save the tooth from extraction and prevent more significant dental issues.

Why a root canal?

If a cavity is left alone for too long it can turn into an infection. This infection will typically impact the pulp of your tooth. The pulp is the living tissue at the center of your tooth. This diseased pulp will begin to cause you pain as the infection gets worse. Over time, the pulp can completely die or it can turn into an abscess. When this happens, the infection will settle into the jawbone area and cause irreversible damage to your bone structure. Therefore, it is important that you get any sensitivity taken care of early.

What is the procedure?

Most root canals require two office visits for completion. The procedure usually consists of four steps and has become pretty standard for most treatments. Essentially, your dentist will remove the infected or dead pulp, clean out the tooth, and fill it.

The first step of the procedure is to administer anesthesia. This is done in order to numb the tooth and the area surrounding it. Over the last number of years, anesthesia technology has improved tremendously. This means that in most cases you will experience little if any pain. Once the anesthesia has taken hold, your dentist will install a dental dam. This is a small sheet of rubber that will work to keep the tooth clean and dry during the procedure.

The next step is for the dentist to gain access to the inside of the tooth. Your dentist will use small instruments, like a mini drill. In molars, the dentist will try and gain access through the top usually, while in front teeth, the dentist will try and gain access through the back. Your dentist will then remove the pulp and clean and shape the inside of the tooth. The most important thing is that the dentist completely cleans out the infection in the tooth. The level of invasiveness of this step depends on the severity of the infection. Your dentist may also need to apply an anti-microbial solution in the tooth in order to fully clear out the infection.

Once the tooth is cleaned out and dried, it will be filled. This filling is called gutta percha. It is a rubber-like substance. It is at this point that your dentist will fill the opening in the tooth with a temporary filling. You will more than likely be sent home with a follow up appointment date.

When you return to the dentist, your root canal will be finished. The dentist will remove the temporary filling and will permanently fill the tooth. In most cases, your dentist will also install a crown at this point. This is meant to further protect the tooth. With proper care, this procedure will last many years.

More on Root Canals : Root Canal Cost