What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure to treat an infection inside the tooth. During the treatment, the infected pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) is removed, the root canals are cleaned, and the tooth is sealed to prevent further damage. This root canal treatment helps to save a tooth that otherwise would need to be extracted due to severe pain.
Modern dentistry has made the process far more comfortable than you might realize. At Coal City Dental Centre, we take care that our patients go through minimum pain as possible through and after a root canal. In this blog, we’ll explain what exactly a root canal is, what to expect during the procedure, and the easy aftercare tips.
Why Do You Need a Root Canal?
A root canal is needed when the pulp inside the tooth gets infected or inflamed because of:
- Deep cavities
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Multiple dental treatments to the same tooth
- Trauma to the tooth
Signs You May Need a Root Canal Treatment
- Persistent toothache
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Gums that are swollen near the affected tooth
- Darkening of the tooth
- A small bump on the gums that looks like a pimple
If you suffer from one of these symptoms, it is very important to make an appointment with Coal City Dental Centre as soon as possible to help treat the problem before it turns into something serious.
Is a Root Canal Painful?
The thought of having a root canal might seem painful to some, however new dental technology and anaesthesia help make a root canal a quite painless procedure. While, some patients even say it is similar to a routine dental filling.
Pain During the Procedure
Your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic before starting the procedure. You may feel a little prick like pain from the needle, but beyond that, there is no severe pain during the treatment.
Pain After the Procedure
It’s common to experience a little bit of discomfort after the anesthesia has worn off. You may experience:
- Tightness on the treated area.
- Mild swelling
- 3 Sensitivity while biting
These symptoms typically decrease after a few days and are treatable with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
What’s Involved in a Root Canal?
The process is typically about 60 to 90 minutes per tooth. In some cases, two visits are needed, if there’s a serious infection that will take longer to heal, for example.
These are the general steps involved with a root canal:
1. Numbing the Area
Your coal city dentist will administer local anesthesia to ensure that you feel no pain during the procedure. It will hurt a little during the injection, but after that your mouth will be completely numb.
2. Removing the Infected Pulp
After the area is numb, your dentist will drill an opening in the tooth and remove the infected or damaged pulp within the infected tooth.
3. Washing and sealing the tooth
The tooth may be cleaned and sealed so that it is not prone to future infection after the pulp has been removed. A temporary filling will be placed in most cases until the permanent crown is formed and ready.
4. Placing a Crown
If the tooth structure is weak, they may suggest putting a crown to restore its function and esthetics.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients will only experience minor discomfort after their root canal, which is temporary and patients are back to normal activity the next day.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
- Take pain relievers as needed
- Do not chew on the treated tooth until it is healed
- Maintain good oral hygiene
- Visit Coal City Dental Centre for follow-up appointments
Is a root canal more painful than an extraction?
Many patients believe that it’s best to simply remove the tooth, though extractions can be more painful and lead to future dental issues. Root canal treatment helps you to retain your natural tooth, which is the best choice.
How to avoid a Root Canal in future?
Although root canals can be successful and have high recovery rates, prevention is always better. Here’s how you can maintain your teeth:
- Brush and floss daily
- Visit your dentist regularly
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks
- If you play sports, wear a mouthguard
Wrapping Up
Root canals can sound scary, but they’re not as painful as many people think. Due to modern dentistry and local anaesthesia, it’s a pretty comfortable and painless procedure. Are you experiencing tooth pain or advised for root canal? Don’t wait to visit Coal City Dental Centre for expert care. We are here for you every step of the way, if you have any questions or would like to book your next appointment, please contact us at info@coalcitydentalcenter.com. We want to do everything we can to help you feel comfortable, and maintain your healthy smile.
