The second week of May is Root Canal Awareness Week, which means it’s a great time to go over what to expect during a root canal procedure. In short, a root canal 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 the pulp inside the affected tooth becomes infected or inflamed and is left untreated, extreme pain and/or tooth abscess (infection) can result.
In that case, you will need a root canal procedure by a trusted dentist in Berkeley CA. Today we will go over some signs that you may need a root canal, as well as what you can expect from the procedure.
Signs You Need a Root Canal
From persistent pain to sensitivity to heat and cold, there are numerous concerning signs that may require a root canal. Those symptoms include:
- Deep decay
- Injury to tooth due to impact
- Chipped or cracked tooth
- Discoloration of the tooth
- Sensitivity to heat or cold
- Persistent pain and pressure
- Prolonged sensitivity
- Swollen gums or jaw
- Loose tooth
When you ignore these symptoms and don’t head to the dentist right away, the infected tooth may experience so much damage that the only option is to take it out. But decay doesn’t just affect that one tooth. If left untreated, the infection can make its way to your head, neck, or other parts of your body. With a condition called Bacterial Endocarditis, bacteria can eventually travel toward the heart, and settle in the heart valve, lining, or blood vessel.
As you can see, it’s always best to get your tooth checked immediately at the first sign of pain or discomfort.
Endodontic Treatment: Explained
The fancy name for a root canal is endodontic treatment. This is a dental procedure that treats infection at the center of a tooth. There are a few steps involved.
First off, 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 so there is no discomfort.
A small rubber sheet, called a dental dam, will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and clean during the procedure.
Next, using specialized tools, the dentist will create a small opening in the tooth to facilitate removal of any infected pulp, bacteria, and decayed tissue. He or she will then clean out the area to eliminate any remaining debris.
Once fully cleaned, the root canal will be 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. You will have to schedule a follow-up appointment for a permanent filling or crown to be fitted. This will then complete the restoration.
The Recovery Process
Once the procedure is done, your mouth will be numb for two to four hours afterwards. You can still return to work or school after the visit, but just don’t eat hard foods right away. If you were fitted with a temporary crown, refrain from chewing on that side (hard or soft) until you are fitted for your permanent crown.
If you are experiencing mild pain or sensitivity after the root canal, use over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, to ease any swelling and discomfort. If the swelling doesn’t dissipate within a reasonable amount of time or you start to bleed, call your dentist immediately. All told, it takes less than a week for the average patient to recover from a root canal.
Here are some self-care tips to ensure proper healing after a root canal:
- Eat soft foods for the first few days after treatment (i.e., well-cooked pasta, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, smoothies, yogurt).
- Don’t chew on your treated tooth if waiting on a permanent crown.
- If you smoke, stop for at least a little while, as smoking impedes the healing process.
- Brush your teeth after eating and floss once per day.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash so germs don’t settle in.
Book a Root Canal Consultation With Ashby Dental in Elmwood Today
If you are suffering from any of the above signs, book your appointment with us today for a root canal consultation in Berkeley CA. We will be happy to sit down and go over everything you can expect with the procedure.
