Root Canal Therapy: Your quick guide to RCT at WFW Endodontics
A root canal therapy (RCT) is a dental procedure that can help save a tooth that is severely damaged or infected. This procedure is essential in preventing the spread of infection, promoting oral health and preventing the need for tooth extraction. However, many people fear RCT because they have little information about it. If you're curious about what RCT at West Fort Worth Endodontics is like, this blog post is for you!
This blog post is all about being a quick guide to RCT at WFW Endodontics. We'll explore what RCT is, how to know if you need it, the procedure, before and after, and the recovery period. By the end of this blog post, you'll have a better understanding of what RCT is and how it can help you. Of course, you're always welcome to call our office and ask any of these questions to get a better idea of what you might expect, too.
What is root canal therapy?
Root Canal Therapy (RCT) is a procedure that involves removing the infected pulp from the root of a tooth while preserving the structure. It is a dental procedure that aims to save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. Once the pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected to remove any bacteria and debris. It is then filled with a biocompatible material, and an artificial crown is placed over the tooth to protect it from further damage.
How do I know if I need root canal therapy?
The most common symptom of a tooth that requires RCT is extremely noticeable pain. A severe toothache that persists, especially when you bite down or apply pressure, is an indication that you may need an RCT. Other signs you may need RCT are hot or cold sensitivity that lasts even if the source of the temperature changes, darkening or discoloration of the tooth and swelling or tenderness of the gums.
Most of the time, our patients are referred by one of the many awesome dentists in Fort Worth, so it's likely that your dentist will be the one to identify whether you need a root canal and then refer you to our office to make sure you get specialized care. Both Dr. Nieves and Dr. Fitzhugh have done extensive training to become experts on root canal therapy and are passionate about making sure their patients leave smiling.
What is a root canal therapy procedure like?
The RCT procedure at WFW Endodontics typically involves two or three appointments, but many times our patients really only need one appointment for the actual procedure.
During the initial appointment, one of our endodontists will assess your tooth to determine if you need RCT. We'll also answer any questions and determine if possibly another procedure may be needed. If RCT is required, the second appointment will entail numbing your tooth before making an opening in it to access the pulp. This pulp is then removed, the interior of your tooth is cleaned, and its canals will be reshaped.
The final appointment involves either a simple followup to make sure you're not experiencing any issues from the root canal therapy. In some instances, we'll use the final appointment to place a crown over the tooth to protect it.
What is the before and after like for a root canal?
Before undergoing RCT, one of our endodontists at West Ft. Worth Endodontics will examine your tooth to come up with a suitable treatment plan. You will also be informed of the steps involved in the procedure, and any questions or concerns you might have will be answered. After having the RCT, most patients report experiencing some amount of discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain killers. A crown will also be placed on the treated tooth to prevent further damage.
What is the recovery period like for root canal therapy?
The RCT recovery period is relatively short. Generally, patients can be back to their routine in a day or two. In many cases, you might even be able to return to work the same day depending on what your work atmosphere is like (we obviously encourage taking it easy, because you deserve it).
To promote healing, patients may be advised to avoid any chewy or sticky foods for the first few days after the procedure. To ensure the tooth heals correctly and does not develop further infection, follow-up visits to Dr. Fitzhugh or Dr. Nieves may be required. Our team will go over all of that with you when you come in for your first appointment.
WFW Endodontics's board-certified endodontists can make your root canal therapy procedure a great experience
Believe it or not, you read that right: gone are the days of the extremely dreaded root canal procedure thanks to big advances in dental technology. We use a combination of both high-tech imaging systems and minimally-invasive cleaning tools that make sure you get the absolute best care when scheduling your root canal therapy with WFW Endodontics.
If you've been experiencing tooth pain or have been told by a dentist that you might consider a root canal, please contact our office at 817-769-6100 or by our appointments form online to have one of our staff contact you. Our board-certified endodontists have the experience and training to make your RCT experience a great one!