What to Expect from Root Canal Therapy
Are you experiencing persistent throbbing tooth pain? If so, you might have tooth decay. Tooth decay happens when your tooth’s enamel gets damaged, exposing the tooth’s internal structure, like the pulp. It can occur due to poor dental hygiene, dental trauma, and attacks from acids. When not treated promptly, bacteria can attack the tooth’s pulp, infecting the tooth’s blood vessels and nerves and causing decay.
If your tooth is infected, the dentist might recommend root canal therapy to remove decay and prevent further damage. Like most people, you might be anxious about what to expect during and after the procedure. A root canal procedure sounds intimidating and painful. However, that’s not the case. Keep reading to learn more.
What is a root canal treatment?
When a tooth is infected, bacteria continue to infect and eat away more of its structure, significantly weakening it. Over time, it can lead to tooth loss. The infection can also spread to the surrounding teeth, gums, jawbone, and other connective tissues, causing further complications. Fortunately, a root canal can prevent all that from happening.
A root canal is an endodontic procedure for removing an infected tooth’s pulp. Removing the infected pulp eliminates the infection and saves the remaining part of the tooth.
You might qualify for a root canal treatment if you have the following symptoms:
- Persistent toothache
- Unexplainable bad breath
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Pain when chewing or brushing
- Dental abscess
- Swelling of lymph nodes, neck, or face
- Pain accompanied by fever
Once you visit a dental office near you, they will review your tooth’s condition to determine whether you’re a good candidate for a root canal. The exam will include x-rays to determine how much of the tooth is damaged. The dentist might recommend tooth extraction if the tooth lacks enough structure to support a restoration.
Root Canal Therapy Procedure
The dentist will begin by administering sedation to numb the area around the infected tooth. Next, the dentist drills through the tooth to access the infected pulp. They remove the decayed and infected parts of the tooth.
The tooth is cleaned, rinsed, disinfected, and dried. After removing the infected pulp, the dentist fills the space. A temporary filling or crown protects the tooth during healing. A permanent filling and crown can be placed after healing.
Since a root canal involves removing a part of the tooth, the tooth is significantly weakened and susceptible to damage and further decay. A permanent restoration is essential to strengthen the tooth and protect it from further damage. Our dentist in Edison will help you choose a material for your permanent filling or crown.
How long does it take to recover from a root canal?
On average, it only takes a few days to recover from a root canal. Immediately after the procedure, the anesthetic will wear off, and you might experience minor side effects like swelling and discomfort. Fortunately, these symptoms will fade away in a few days. Your dentist will give you aftercare tips to manage the symptoms and promote faster recovery.
These can include:
- Take medication as directed by the dentist. Consult the dentist if you need to take unprescribed medications.
- Take a soft food diet for the next 24 – 48 hours. Avoid hard, chewy, and crunchy food items. Don’t chew on the side of the treated area until a permanent filling or crown is placed.
- Use an ice pack on the face outside the treated area.
- Limit consumption of acidic and spicy foods to avoid irritating the treated area.
- Limit sugary foods as they can encourage further bacterial infections.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene. Brush gently around the treated area.
Notify your dentist if something feels wrong or the temporary restoration comes out. Contact our endodontist near you if you experience severe or persistent symptoms like pain, swelling, and fever.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Are you interested in a root canal in Edison? Contact KK Dental Edison to book your appointment.