What to Expect During and After Receiving Root Canal Therapy

If not treated timely, dental infections and other dental problems can lead to tooth extraction. If you’re struggling with a severe tooth infection and still want to keep your tooth, root canal therapy is an ideal option worth considering.

While the idea of root canal therapy can seem intimidating, it’s not as scary as it sounds. Dental technology has advanced significantly, making root canal therapy a painless and straightforward procedure. Keeping your natural teeth for as long as possible is typically better than having to use artificial teeth.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Also called endodontic therapy, root canal treatment or therapy is a dental treatment that seeks to treat infections of the dental pulp (unmineralized oral tissue that resides at the center of the tooth).

If treated timely, these infections can be eliminated, saving your tooth and preventing future tooth infections and related dental problems such as bone loss and cavities. Usually, root canal therapy has a very high success rate. The office of Dr. Barry J. Cunha offers safe and effective root canal treatments.

Who Needs Root Canal Therapy?

The only sure means of knowing if you qualify for root canal therapy is by visiting your dentist. Your dentist will review your condition and offer the best treatment option. However, there are some signs and symptoms that can signal the need for root canal therapy.

Please visit your dentist for an exam if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Chronic pain in the tooth.
• Tooth swelling and tenderness.
• Unusual sensitivity to heat or cold.
• Bumps or pimples on the gums, above or below a tooth.
• A chipped or cracked tooth.
• Darkening of the gums.

Sometimes tooth infections show no symptoms. That’s why it’s essential to schedule regular visits to your dentists for professional check-ups and cleaning. The dentist might notice signs of tooth infection before they show and offer treatment before the condition worsens.

How It Works  

Root canal therapy is performed by an experienced dentist or endodontist. A typical root canal treatment goes as follows:

• The dentist will numb the infected area with a local anesthetic.
• The dentist will then make a hole on the tooth’s surface and remove the decay and infected tissue inside the root canal.
• The dentist will clean and disinfect the hollow area using irrigation solutions to remove toxins.
• The dentist will fill the tooth with a rubber-like material and seal the canals completely with adhesive cement.
• The dentist will then add a crown or filling to protect the tooth from further infections.

After the procedure, the dentist will offer some aftercare tips. For instance, you’re not supposed to chew or bite using the treated tooth. But once the filling or crown attaches completely, you can use the tooth like normal. However, you should avoid exerting too much pressure on the tooth.

A root canal treatment only takes one visit to the dentist. However, it could take longer if you have a more severe condition. Your dentist may also prescribe painkillers and antibiotics to treat and prevent further infection.

Benefits of a Root Canal Treatment

Besides saving your tooth, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:

• Enhanced biting force and sensation.
• Elimination of pain.
• Protection against further tear and wear.
• Protection against future infections.
• More efficient chewing abilities.

 Is Root Canal Therapy Painful? 

While most people believe that root canal treatments are painful, they aren’t. There might be a little tenderness since the dentist will be working inside your mouth. However, most patients report that it feels like a standard dental filling procedure.

If a professional dentist does the treatment, it should be relatively painless and quick.

How to Care for Your Teeth After a Root Canal Treatment

Standard aftercare instructions include:

• Brush your teeth twice daily.
• Floss regularly.
• Visiting your dentist for regular check-ups.
• Eat healthy meals and stay hydrated.
• Avoid biting hard food, especially immediately after the procedure.
• Avoid sugary foods and drinks as they encourage bacteria growth.

 Schedule a Consultation

If you’re suspecting that you may have a tooth infection or are experiencing any tooth pain, you should immediately talk to a dentist near you. You can call or visit the office of Dr. Barry J. Cunha for root canal treatment and other dental services.