Root Canal

When Is A Root Canal Necessary?

 

If you are eating, do you experience any pain or discomfort? Is the temperature of your mouth affecting the sensitivity of your teeth? What are you doing about swollen gums and discolored teeth? Does your tooth have a chip or crack? Have you been worried about a reoccurring pimple on your gums?
There is a possibility that you may need a root canal if you suffer from one or more of these symptoms. The problem with root canals is that no one wants one, but knowing what symptoms to look for before you receive a root canal can speed up treatment and eliminate other problems.
In the ideal case scenario, you should visit your dentist regularly for a routine checkup every six months. In that case, your Front Range Smiles dentist will determine whether you need a root canal or if another treatment option would be more suitable for you.

Procedure for Root Canal treatment (Step-by-Step)

A root canal procedure is performed by an endodontist, a specialist in dentistry who has graduated from dental school and completed a minimum of two years of specialty training. To reduce discomfort for our patients with root canals, our dentists will use anesthetics to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.
Before the advent of modern technology, treating root canals required several visits over a more extended period. Fortunately, thanks to technological advancements and improved techniques, most patients can undergo the procedure in just one session. Several teeth needing treatment may require further appointments if there is a severe infection or if there are many teeth in need of treatment.

The following is a step-by-step guide on what to expect during a root canal.

  • Sometimes, the dentist may administer a local anesthetic to the tooth in question. During the procedure, the dentist will use a small protective sheet (a dental dam) to protect the area in question after complete numbness has been achieved. This is done to keep the area isolated and dry.
  • During an appointment with the dentist, an opening is made in the tooth’s crown so that he can clean the pulp chamber and root canal, which is infected, before shaping the space for filling.
  • It is, therefore, necessary to fill the root canals with a biocompatible material which is then glued to the root canal cavities to ensure the root canals are kept fully sealed. This is to ensure that the infection is prevented from spreading further. Temporary fillings are usually used to fill in gaps in most cases.
  • The tooth will then be restored to full function by placing a crown or another form of a vital capsule.

What happens after root canal treatment?

animation of a root canal demonstration

There is some recuperation time after root canals, usually 90 minutes. Some factors can determine the length of the procedure and the number of appointments. If you are scheduling an appointment, please take this into consideration. Suppose a local anesthetic is used in your root canal. In that case, it will not impair your driving ability since the effects will subside within a few minutes after the procedure has been completed.

The Post-Root Canal Experience

The better prospect is that your tooth will remain intact after a root canal procedure. As a result, a crown may be placed on the affected tooth so that any imperfections or discoloration may be covered up.
When you experience pain, you should not be alarmed. After a root canal procedure, it is not unusual for patients to experience mild discomfort for one or more days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be effective in treating this reaction that is considered a normal reaction. Depending on the severity of your condition, your physician may prescribe a more vital medication. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing.

A guide to eating after a Root Canal

It can be challenging to determine what to eat after a root canal since everyone reacts differently. It is difficult to measure individual pain thresholds. After a root canal, it can be challenging to figure out what to eat and what not to eat.

A root canal procedure requires a patient to consume soft foods for two to three days following the procedure. Aside from avoiding foods that are too hot or cold, they are asked to avoid foods that are too spicy. Additionally, when eating afterward, it is best to chew slowly on the opposite side of your mouth from where you were treated.

The good news is that just because you need to eat carefully after a root canal doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite foods. Listed below are some sample foods to eat after root canal therapy.

  • Juices and smoothies
  • Fruit yogurt
  • Cakes and puddings
  • Shakes/milkshakes
  • An egg
  • Assorted soups
  • The tofu
  • Breakfast cereals
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • A peach
  • Apples/pears
  • An apple sauce
  • Assorted sushi
  • The pasta
  • A pancake

Additionally, it is recommended that patients recovering from a root canal do not consume alcohol or eat anything spicy, crunchy, or excessively chewy, such as gum or taffy, until they are well enough to do so.

 
After a Root Canal procedure, should I see a dentist?

After your root canal has been performed, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist for a follow-up checkup. This procedure can be pretty complicated, and it takes considerable time for the tooth to heal after a root canal procedure has been completed. During the healing period, your tooth is a bit more sensitive, vulnerable, and at greater risk of breaking, so schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure your tooth is healing correctly and with no complications.