What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Your initial thoughts of a root canal may bring up ideas of pain or drilling. While there is a drill involved in the procedure, you can rest easy knowing that there is no more pain during a root canal than in any other dental procedure. This is because your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area thoroughly. Therefore, you won’t feel any pain while your dentist works. 

In fact, root canals should remove pain rather than create it. If you have a severe infection or inflammation in the root of a tooth, your dentist will utilize root canal therapy to get rid of the infection. Additionally, root canals can save your tooth from extraction. When you have an infection, it can spread to other areas.

Also, it can cause you to lose a tooth if you do not seek treatment. Typically, severe infections cause extreme pain in your teeth or jaws. This is why your dentist will utilize root canal therapy. It removes the infected pulp from inside your tooth, getting rid of your pain. 

What Is the Process?

Before the drilling begins, your dental team will take x-rays and thoroughly examine your mouth. This will allow them to get a complete picture of your oral health. Additionally, this gives them the opportunity to make an entire plan for your dental care. Then, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ensure you have a pain-free procedure. 

Next, your dentist will begin the procedure. Going through the crown of your tooth, they will drill into the infected pulp. They will remove the infected pulp and then completely clean and disinfect the area. This will prevent further infection. 

After they remove the infection, they will need to fill your tooth with a sturdy dental material. This helps your tooth keep its shape and structure. Without it, your tooth is liable to chip or break. Once they fill the tooth, they will install a crown to cap the filling. 

Caring for Your Mouth Post-Root Canal

Unless your dentist instructs you otherwise, you should be able to continue your regular oral hygiene routine. This means that you should brush and floss your teeth as normal. Continuing your oral care will prevent plaque buildup from damaging your teeth. Additionally, plaque is a type of harmful bacteria, so plaque buildup may cause re-infection. 

After your procedure, it is likely that your dentist will prescribe antibiotics. It is vital that you take your antibiotics as your dentist directs. Antibiotics will ensure that you do not develop another infection. If you have pain or swelling after your root canal, you can take over-the-counter painkillers like Advil or Tylenol. These medications will help minimize your pain and swelling. Icing your face may help with any additional swelling or inflammation. 

It would be best to avoid eating any hard or extremely chewy foods. Eating these foods can cause pain or inflammation at the root canal site.