With the second week of May being Root Canal Awareness Week, we thought it fitting to let you know what to expect during a root canal procedure. What is a root canal? This is an endodontic treatment that can repair and save a badly infected, decayed, cracked, or damaged tooth instead of having to take it out completely. If left unchecked, the pulp inside the affected tooth can get infected or inflamed, resulting in extreme pain and/or tooth abscess (infection).
To repair the damage, a root canal procedure by a trusted dentist in Piedmont CA will be in order. Let’s talk about the signs signaling the need for a root canal, as well as what you can expect out of the procedure.
Do You Need a Root Canal?
From a loose tooth to persistent pressure, there are a multitude of signs that may require a root canal. Symptoms include:
- Persistent pain and pressure
- Sensitivity to heat or cold
- Injury to tooth due to impact
- Chipped or cracked tooth
- Discoloration of the tooth
- Deep decay
- Loose tooth
- Prolonged sensitivity
- Swollen gums or jaw
If you ignore these symptoms and don’t get yourself to the dentist in a timely manner, there may be no other choice than to remove the infected tooth due to too much damage. Plus, with enough time, the infection can travel to other parts of your body, such as the head and neck. A condition called Bacterial Endocarditis can result, which is when bacteria eventually travel toward the heart, settling in the heart valve, blood vessel, or lining.
This is why you need to get your painful tooth checked immediately at the first sign of discomfort.
Root Canal = Endodontic Treatment
These two terms mean the same thing. Endodontic treatment is a dental procedure that treats infection at the center of a tooth. Here’s a look at the steps.
- An X-ray will be taken to assess the size and shape of the tooth’s root. The dentist will be better able to see if infection has spread to the surrounding bone.
- Prior to starting the procedure, the dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth to eliminate discomfort.
- A small rubber sheet, known as a dental dam, will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and clean during the procedure.
- With the use of specialized tools, the dentist will create a small opening in the tooth to facilitate removal of any infected pulp, bacteria, and decayed tissue. The area will be thoroughly cleaned to eliminate any remaining debris.
- The root canal is then filled with a sealing material to protect it. If your tooth has suffered significant damage, your dentist may add a temporary filling or dental crown.
- In that case, you will have to schedule a follow-up appointment for a permanent filling or crown to be fitted to complete the restoration.
What to Expect: The Recovery
You can expect your mouth to remain numb for two to four hours after the procedure. If you would like, you can return to work or school after the visit. Just refrain from eating hard foods right away. If you have a temporary crown, refrain from chewing on that side (hard or soft) until being fitted for your permanent crown.
Use over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, if you are experiencing mild pain or sensitivity after the root canal. This will help ease any swelling and discomfort. If the swelling or pain doesn’t dissipate within a reasonable amount of time, or you start to bleed, call your dentist in Piedmont immediately. Overall, most patients completely recover from a root canal in less than a week.
Heed these self-care tips to ensure proper healing after your procedure:
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash so germs can’t fester.
- Eat soft foods for the first few days after treatment (i.e., cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, well-cooked pasta, smoothies, yogurt).
- Stop smoking, at least for a little while, as smoking hinders the healing process.
- Brush your teeth after eating and floss once per day.
- Don’t chew on your treated tooth if waiting on a permanent crown.
Book a Root Canal Consultation With Piedmont Oaks Dental Today
If you suspect you need a root canal, book your appointment with us today for a root canal consultation in Piedmont CA. We will review everything you need to know about the procedure for your peace of mind.
