What is a root canal?
When your tooth is infected or abscessed, it compromises the pulp, or the core, of your tooth. To keep from losing your tooth, the team performs a root canal procedure to remove the diseased pulp and restore your tooth.
Root canals are the last resort for saving a tooth that has been damaged by infection, decay, or injury.
What are the symptoms that I may need a root canal?
When you need a root canal, there are a few telltale symptoms to watch out for, such as:
- Severe pain
- Swelling in the jaw or cheek
- Foul odor from the tooth
- Bitter drainage from the tooth
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, and pressure
Don’t suffer needlessly when any of these symptoms are present. Root canals quickly relieve the pain from infection and decay.
What should I expect during a root canal treatment?
With great care and skill, your dentist opens the tooth to reach the pulp chamber. They use small instruments to remove all the damaged pulp and thoroughly clean the area within your tooth.
When the infected tissue is removed, your dentist fills your tooth with a medical-grade rubber material called gutta-percha. The gutta-percha seals the root and keeps it separated from the nerves in your bones. Your tooth will likely be topped with a protective crown that matches your other teeth.
What happens after a root canal treatment?
The treated area will be sore and sensitive for a few days and possibly up to a week, but the pain from the infection will be gone. You may have some swelling, too, but it will quickly subside.
How should I care for a tooth that has had a root canal?
Until your crown is placed, you’ll need to take precautions with sticky or hard foods. Otherwise, caring for a tooth that’s had a root canal is the same as your other teeth. You’ll need to brush, floss, and maintain regular dental check-ups.
When you need urgent relief from pain or want to know more about how a root canal can preserve a tooth, call Regal Dentistry for an appointment, or use the easy online scheduler to book online.
