How 2-Step Root Canals Are Better Than 1-Step Procedures
Posted on: 17 June 2016
If you need a root canal, you are probably experiencing a lot of pain or sensitivity with this particular tooth. While getting a root canal to fix the tooth can be costly and uncomfortable, getting it done will actually relieve the pain and discomfort you are currently experiencing. Many dentists are now using a two-step process to complete root canals, and here are several reasons why these are better than one-step root canals.
The Canals Are Treated To Kill Bacteria
There are several key differences between a one-step root canal and a two-step root canal, and one of the main differences is that one-step root canals require only one appointment, whereas two-step procedures require two. Going for two appointments might not seem advantageous to you, but it actually offers a key benefit for a root canal.
With the two-step process, the first appointment is dedicated to cleaning out the tooth canals, which are located near the roots of the tooth. After this is done, the dentist will apply medication to the canals. This is typically called calcium hydroxide, and it is designed to kill all the bacteria that might be located in these canals.
The benefit of this is that it allows the canals to fully heal from any infection that might have been present before the dentist fills the canals when completing the root canal procedure. With a one-step procedure, dentists do not complete this step, which means there may still be some bacteria in the canals when they are filled. This can result in problems with the tooth at some point in the future.
The Dentist Has A Second Chance To Make Sure The Job Is Complete
The second reason getting a root canal completed in two steps is better is because it gives the dentist a second chance to ensure that the canals are all cleaned out. Root canals are not easy procedures to complete, because it can be hard to get inside small canals in a person's mouth. Because of this, a dentist may inadvertently miss small particles of the pulp found in the canals. If this happens, you are likely to experience problems with this tooth and may need to have it retreated.
When you have a root canal done in two steps, the dentist will take x-rays at both appointments to make sure the job is complete, and this is especially important at the second appointment. When you arrive for the second appointment, the procedure will begin with x-rays. The dentist will closely examine them and will only proceed with filling the canals if they are completely clean.
Getting a root canal is often the only way to save a tooth and stop pain you are experiencing. If you would like to learn more about this procedure, contact a dentist such as Samuel D Knight, DDS.
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