No one wants to get a root canal. However, sometimes it is necessary to save the integrity of your tooth and keep it from needing to be extracted. Contrary to what you’ve seen in old movies and TV shows, getting a root canal isn’t something to be worried about. It can help to eliminate the pain you are experiencing and fight off infection. Continue reading to learn what you can expect during and after your root canal treatment.
How Does Root Canal Treatment Work?
The root canal treatment begins with your dentist administering a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth they are working on. Sedation options are also sometimes available to help anxious patients feel extra comfortable during their procedure. Once prepared, a small hole is made in the enamel so all of the infected and damaged tissue can be removed from inside the tooth. Next, the tooth will be cleaned and sanitized so it’s completely free from bacteria. Lastly, the tooth is filled with biocompatible material. In many cases, a dental crown is placed on top to give the treated tooth additional support and protection.
What Does the Recovery Process Look Like?
Initial Sensitivity
After your root canal, it’s normal to experience some soreness. This is a fairly minor procedure, so it won’t take a lot of time for your mouth to completely heal. To manage any discomfort, closely follow the aftercare instructions that you received from your dentist. Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, can help to reduce pain and swelling. Sticking to soft foods is also a good idea initially after your treatment so you aren’t putting a lot of pressure on the treated tooth.
Intermediary Recovery
Following your procedure, your tooth will be sealed with a permanent or temporary filling. If a temporary filling is placed, you should avoid chewing on the tooth until it has been permanently restored by your dentist. Any swelling should go down after a couple of days. If it doesn’t give your dentist a call.
Permanent Restoration
To ensure the long-term health of your tooth, you will likely need to return to the dental office to have a final restoration placed. A dental crown or another restoration is often necessary to help the tooth regain its full strength and function. After this, it’s especially important that you keep up with your routine dental visits. This way, your dentist can keep an eye on your restoration to ensure that it remains in excellent shape.
If you are getting a root canal soon, you don’t have anything to worry about. By closely following the instructions of your dentist, your smile will be back to normal in no time!
About the Practice
At Temple Choice Dental, we have a team of five skilled dentists serving the Temple community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about root canal treatment or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (254) 727-7144.