Root Canals

A root canal procedure, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is infected or severely decayed. Here’s an overview of the process:

1. Diagnosis: The dentist examines the tooth and takes X-rays to determine the extent of the infection or damage to the pulp.

2. Anesthesia: Before starting the procedure, the dentist administers local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth, ensuring that you’re comfortable during the treatment.

3. Access: The dentist creates a small opening in the crown of the tooth to access the infected or damaged pulp.

4. Cleaning and shaping: Using specialized instruments, the dentist removes the infected or damaged pulp tissue from inside the tooth. They also clean and disinfect the root canals to remove any bacteria and debris.

5. Filling: Once the canals are cleaned and shaped, they are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to seal them and prevent further infection.

6. Sealing: After filling the canals, the dentist seals the opening in the crown of the tooth with a temporary or permanent filling material.

7. Restoration: In most cases, a crown or other restoration is placed over the tooth to protect it and restore its function and appearance. This helps strengthen the tooth and prevent future damage.

During root canal treatment, you should not feel any pain in the area around the infected tooth under local anesthesia. Dentists prioritize the patient’s well-being in every way possible. However, it is not uncommon to experience discomfort or pain after the anesthesia wears off. This discomfort usually goes away within a few days and can usually be treated with over-the-counter medications.

The recovery time after a root canal procedure can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, your overall health, and how well you care for the tooth afterward. However, here is a general timeline for recovery:

1. Immediately after the procedure: After root canal treatment, you may feel numbness in the treated area due to local anesthesia. This problem will disappear within a few hours. You may also experience mild tenderness, which can usually be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers.

2. First few days: It is normal to experience pain or discomfort in the treated tooth in the days following the procedure. There may also be slight swelling or bruising in the surrounding teeth. Continuing to take pain medications as recommended by your dentist can help control any problems.

3. One to two weeks: Most people recover fully from a root canal within one to two weeks. During this time, any lingering discomfort or sensitivity should gradually improve. It’s essential to follow your dentist’s post-procedure instructions, including any recommendations for eating, oral hygiene, and follow-up appointments.

4. Long-term recovery: In the long term, the tooth should feel stable and comfortable. If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or other concerning symptoms after the initial recovery period, you should contact your dentist for further evaluation.

After root canal treatment, it is generally recommended that you do not eat until the local anesthesia wears off to avoid accidentally injuring the tongue, cheek, or mouth. It usually takes a few hours. Once the numbness subsides, you can eat soft foods that require less chewing, such as yogurt, pudding, scrambled eggs, or soup.