The root canal is a chamber inside each tooth that contains a soft tissue known as the pulp. If the pulp becomes infected, inflammation and pain can develop, and a serious infection known as an abscess may form in the tooth. If the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected, your dentist will likely recommend root canal treatment as a solution.
You’ve likely heard unpleasant stories about root canal treatments, but learning more about how this procedure works and what to expect before, during, and after treatment can help you sort fact from fiction.
Tooth pain and inflammation can occur for different reasons, but you shouldn’t just assume that dental problems will resolve on their own without treatment. If the pulp inside a root canal is infected, the infection will only get worse and will only spread the longer you choose not to undergo a root canal procedure.
People who need root canal treatment often experience signs, such as:
If Dr. Khan determines that you need root canal therapy after taking x-rays of a problematic tooth or performing other diagnostic testing, you won’t have to do much to prepare for your upcoming procedure. You shouldn’t consume alcohol or tobacco prior to your procedure, and Dr. Khan might advise you to stop taking certain medications to avoid complications during the procedure or recovery. You may also be prescribed antibiotics to take before your procedure to help ease the severity of symptoms if you have a bad infection.
Immediately before the procedure begins, Dr. Khan will inject an anesthetic into the areas around the tooth that will be treated to numb any pain during treatment. Special tools will then be used to make a small opening in the tooth so that the root canal can be accessed, and the diseased pulp can be properly removed.
After the pulp is removed and the root canal is cleaned thoroughly, the tooth is sealed and topped with a temporary filling or crown. You’ll be asked to return at a later date to receive a permanent filling or crown for the treated tooth.
Fortunately, you won’t need a lot of time to recover after a root canal procedure if you don’t experience any complications. You’ll likely be able to return to your normal daily routine the same day, but you may still be numb from the anesthesia for two to four hours after your procedure. Pain medication may also be prescribed to minimize discomfort after the anesthesia has worn off and pain returns.
When you return for your permanent filling or crown, Dr. Khan will check the tooth that was treated to make sure that it’s still sealed properly and isn’t causing you any problems.
The team at Ikon Dental Group regularly sees patients who need root canal treatments in Plainville, CT. Please fill out our online contact form so that a representative at Ikon Dental Group can get in touch with you. If you want your root canal procedure to be done in a safe and friendly environment, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us.