Root Canal

CARING FOR YOU AND YOUR SMILE

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure involving the removal of the soft center of the tooth, the pulp. The pulp is made up of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels that help the tooth grow.

In most cases, a general dentist or endodontist will perform a root canal while you’re under local anesthesia.

Why Root Canal Treatment Required ?

Root canal treatment is needed when dental X-rays show that the pulp has been damaged by a bacterial infection. The pulp may become inflamed if it’s infected by bacteria, allowing the bacteria to multiply and spread. The symptoms of a pulp infection include: pain when eating or drinking hot or cold food and drink.

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How to Avoid Root Canal Treatment

You can avoid root canal treatment and other alternatives by avoiding foods rich in sugars, practicing good oral hygiene, going for regular dental check-ups, and avoiding drinks and foods rich in acids and starch.

Brush teeth at least twice per day
Flossing is essential
Use mouthwash and toothpaste with fluoride
Visit the dentist for your bi-annual cleanings
Get cavities filled
Wear a mouthguard

The Outcome of Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is considered a restorative procedure. Most people who undergo the procedure can enjoy positive results for the rest of their lives. Still, how long results last depends on the way you take care of your teeth.

Just as the rest of your teeth depend on good oral hygiene habits, your restored tooth requires regular brushing and flossing as well.

Symptoms That Indicate You May Need Root Canal Treatment

In some cases, you may not know you have an infected tooth. However, many people notice certain symptoms. Signs you need a root canal include:

Continuous Tooth Pain:

Many dental problems can cause tooth pain. If you have pain deep in your tooth, you may need root canal therapy. Discomfort may also radiate to your jaw, face or other teeth.

Sensitivity To Heat and Cold:

If your tooth hurts when you drink hot coffee or eat ice cream, it could mean that you need root canal treatment. This is especially true if the pain lingers for more than a few seconds.

Swollen Gums:

When a tooth is infected, pus can collect in the area. This can lead to puffy, swollen, or tender gums.

Pimple On The Gums:

You may develop a pimple or boil on the gums. Pus from the infected tooth may drain from the pimple, causing an unpleasant taste or smell.

Swollen Jaw:

Sometimes pus doesn’t drain from the site. As a result, your jaw may become visibly swollen.

Tooth Discoloration:

When the pulp of a tooth becomes infected, it can cause your tooth to look darker. This occurs because of poor blood supply to the tooth.

Pain When Pressure Is Applied:

If you have pain when you eat or touch your tooth, it could mean the nerves around the pulp are damaged.

Advantages Of Having a Root Canal Procedure

The Procedure of Root Canal Treatment

The dentist will place a small amount of numbing medication on your gum near the affected tooth. Once it has taken effect, a local anesthetic will be injected into your gums. You may feel a sharp pinch or a burning sensation, but this will pass quickly.

When your tooth is numb, the endodontist or general dentist will make a small opening in the top of the tooth. Once the infected or damaged pulp is exposed, the specialist will carefully remove it using special tools called files. They’ll be particularly careful to clean out all the pathways (canals) in your tooth.

Once the pulp has been removed, the dentist may coat the area with a topical antibiotic to ensure that the infection is gone and to prevent reinfection. Once the canals are cleaned and disinfected, the dentist will fill and seal the tooth with a sealer paste and rubber-like material called gutta-percha. They also may prescribe you oral antibiotics.

Before And After

Post Procedure-Follow-Up After Root Canal

Your tooth and gums might feel sore when the numbing medication wears off. Your gums may also swell. Most dentists will have you treat these symptoms with over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). Call your dentist if the pain becomes extreme or lasts for more than a few days.

You should be able to resume your normal routine the day after the procedure. Avoid chewing with the damaged tooth until it’s permanently filled, or a crown is placed over the top.
You’ll see your regular dentist within a few days of the root canal. They’ll take X-rays to make sure that any infection is gone. They’ll also replace the temporary filling with a permanent filling.
If you prefer, the dentist may place a permanent crown on the tooth. Crowns are artificial teeth that can be made from porcelain or gold. The benefit of a crown is its realistic appearance.

Aftercare-Tips for Oral Health

Good oral health practices can help alleviate pain from a recent root canal. These can also help your new crown last for many years while protecting all your other teeth. Consider the following tips:

Don’t eat overly hard foods, especially right after a root canal treatment.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Be sure to move the toothbrush in gentle circling motions to clean your teeth without aggravating them. You’ll want to take special care around the tooth with the recent root canal.
Floss once a day to help prevent future infections.
Reduce the number of sugary foods and drinks you consume.
Schedule regular cleanings to help keep your teeth healthy and free of infection.

Potential Risks and Complications Associated with Root Canal Treatment

FAQ's

How long does root canal recovery take?

Typically, root canal recovery time lasts less than a week. Mild discomfort may be present for a few days, but this can be managed with medication. If you have severe pain or discomfort that lasts longer than a week, call your healthcare provider.

Can I eat after a root canal?

Yes. However, it’s best to wait until the numbness wears off. The effects of the anesthesia usually last a few hours. Stick with softer foods like pastas, mashed potatoes and yogurts for the first couple of days. Introduce solid food as your comfort level improves.

Can you drive after a root canal?

It depends. If you had local anesthesia or nitrous oxide during your procedure, then you can drive yourself to and from your appointment. People who choose oral sedation or IV sedation will need a friend or family member to drive them.

Can you smoke after a root canal?

It isn’t recommended. Smoking interferes with healing and increases the likelihood that you’ll need more dental work in the future.

When can I resume work, school or other activities?

Most of the time, people who have had root canal therapy can go back to work or school the next day. However, if you’ve had sedation during your dental procedure, you may need an extra day or two to fully recover.

How long do the results of a root canal last?

As with all dental procedures, results are not guaranteed. However, when root canal therapy is performed correctly, results can last a long time — even the rest of your life.

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