No Reason to Fear a Root Canal

Root canals are often dreaded, but the truth is they aren’t nearly as scary or painful as they’re made out to be. While the thought of getting a root canal may make you anxious, the procedure and recovery are not something to be scared of. With the right preparation and mindset, you can get through your root canal with ease.

What is a root canal?

Root canals are a very common and important dental procedure that can help save a tooth that is severely infected or damaged. When a tooth becomes infected due to decay or injury, it can cause immense pain and potential complications if left untreated.

A root canal is one of the most effective ways to treat this problem and restore your mouth’s health. Root canals can be performed at our office, or you may be referred to an endodontist for specialized treatment.

When it comes to what you can expect from getting a root canal, it starts with being numbed completely before work begins on the affected tooth. The dentist will then remove the pulp inside the tooth, clean out any bacteria or infection, and fill the space where the pulp once was with a special material called gutta-percha which seals the tooth and prevents further infection. Gutta-percha is a natural rubber-like material derived from trees, and it is used in a variety of surgical devices as well as endodontics.

Depending on where in your mouth the affected tooth is located and how severe the damage is, this process can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours to complete. You might feel some pressure during the procedure but should not experience any pain since you will be numbed.

What should I expect after the root canal?

After the root canal, you may feel soreness in the affected area, but this should go away within a few days with proper care. We recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen to help reduce this discomfort. In addition, you may consider applying cold compresses to your cheek near where your dental work was done to reduce swelling and inflammation. In some cases, antibiotics might be prescribed to prevent infection while your mouth heals.

In terms of recovery time, the complete healing process usually takes about two weeks. Although it could be more or less, you should not be uncomfortable during this time.

A tooth that has had root canal treatment needs to be covered by a crown after it has healed. Removing the tooth’s pulp changes the internal structure of the tooth, and a crown helps restore its strength as well as its appearance. A crown can also protect the tooth’s health by keeping bacteria out.

What can I do to make the process easier?

For the first couple of weeks, you should avoid drinks that are too hot or cold or eating hard or crunchy foods that could potentially further damage your teeth or gums. It’s also important to continue to brush and floss regularly. Still, you should refrain from brushing vigorously or flossing too much around where the dental work was performed to avoid disrupting the healing process.

How can I keep my teeth healthy and avoid dental work?

Don’t put off seeing a dentist if you suspect something is wrong with one of your teeth! Ignoring symptoms such as sensitivity or pain in one particular area could potentially lead to more serious complications that require multiple procedures down the road if not addressed immediately. Also, make sure you keep up with regular checkups so any potential issues are caught early on before they become bigger problems—which means less hassle for you later on!

Overall, a root canal can seem intimidating for many people, but the truth is that root canals are quite common and are a safe, effective way to restore your teeth back to health. With proper care and regular visits to your dentist, you should be able to enjoy your newly healthy smile in no time! If you are ready to schedule your follow up visit, call our office today at 615.595.6111.