What Really Happens During a Root Canal Treatment

There is an irrational fear of root canal therapy. Decades ago, it was a tedious treatment; however, thanks to modern dentistry, the treatment is now simpler and faster.

Our dentist in Dryden is specialized in endodontics and can save your tooth when it has severe decay. Perhaps you are afraid to undergo root canal treatment in Dryden, but nowadays, there is little discomfort to it. 

Keep on reading to find out what really happens during the root canal near you.

What is It?

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure in which an endodontist removes the pulp inside your tooth because it is infected.  We will describe the entire process further on.

Symptoms that You Might Need Root Canal

Visit a dentist near you if you experience or a combination of the following symptoms:

• Random toothache

• Pain when chewing

• Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods

• Swollen cheeks

• Tenderness in your face

During the Procedure

Sure, there might be mild discomfort, but not the horrible pain that patients irrationally describe; and sometimes, the procedure only takes a single dental visit.

First, your dental professional will take a set of x-rays to have the right vision of your root canals and surrounding tissues from different angles. 

Then, it’s time for the numb medication. If you are too anxious about the treatment, you might even want to consider sedation dentistry. You will be as relaxed as possible, but conscious for awareness of what is happening. 

After the administration of local anesthetic, your dentist will place a rubber dam around your tooth to isolate it from the rest of the mouth; it will allow him or her to have better vision and to avoid contaminating the area.

Next, your endodontist will create access to the pulp with a dental drill. It may sound painful, but remember that you will have the area numbed; so, you won’t notice it. He or she will remove the infected pulp with a root canal file and any other decayed tissues.

From here, your dental professional will reshape the canals and disinfect them (usually with sodium hypochlorite) for the sealing material to fit correctly. The sealing material is known as gutta-percha, and it is biocompatible with your body. 

Now, your dentist will place a temporary filling, and you will have to schedule a final appointment for a dental crown if needed. If not, then they will place a dental filling the same day, and you will leave the dental office ready.

After the Procedure

You may follow these instructions after your endodontic treatment for better recovery:

• Avoid hard foods during the first 24 hours. Stick to soft foods such as yogurt, ice cream, applesauce, oatmeal, and others.

• Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and be gentle when brushing the treated tooth.

• Take your pain medication as prescribed.

• If possible, chew only on the opposite side of your mouth.

It is common to experience discomfort and tenderness for the next week after your root canal. You may take over-the-counter medication to manage pain, such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen. If, however, it persists after two weeks, contact your dentist as soon as possible.

Another tip to reduce discomfort is rinsing your mouth with lukewarm water and salt (1/4 teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water). You may repeat this procedure two or three times a day.

Contact Us

If you have any other doubts regarding root canal treatment, don’t hesitate to contact us. We have a team of caring professionals that are looking forward to helping you reduce your discomfort and restore your smile.