Root Canal Treatment – A Perfect Guide for Newbies

Root Canal Treatment – A Perfect Guide for Newbies

March 5, 2020

Introduction:

Did you know that more than 15 million root canals are performed each year in the USA? It is also known as an endodontic therapy – a process that cleans out the decay and infection-prone contents in root and pulp. This allows the tooth to function and serve its intended purpose in the mouth. However, before scheduling an appointment with an endodontist, there are certain vital things to know. Intrigued? Read on to find out more.

Is Root Canal Painful?

No, it is a painless procedure, unlike other dental procedures. It is because patients are given anesthesia before starting the treatment. After it’s over, patients might feel a little bit numbness, soreness, or mild discomfort.

However, they will get back to normal after several days. Also, as per the study, only 17 percent of people labeled it as a painful experience. It means there is no need to get concerned if your endodontist or dentist recommends you to have an endodontic therapy procedure for your tooth decay or damaged teeth.

Step-by-Step Root Canal Procedure

Step 1: In-Depth Diagnosis

In this step, the doctor examines the inside of the mouth using x-rays. If a doctor spots infected pulp or deep tooth decay, he or she may you to an endodontist for canal treatment.

Step 2: Local Anesthesia

Anesthesia is injected around the treatment region to make canal numb.

Step 3: Dental Dam

A dental dam (thin plastic sheet) is performed to isolate the tooth and keep the treatment area bacteria-free.

Step 4: Removal of Pulp

In this step, your canal dentist eliminates decay from the inflamed pulp, infected root, or infected nerve tissue by drilling. The leftover pulp is eliminated using small instruments.

Step 5: Disinfecting and Dressing

After that, the doctor disinfects inside of the tooth using antibacterial and antiseptic agents to prepare the canal for treatment.

Step 6: Canal Filling

The empty canals are filled with an adhesive sealant or gutta-percha to prevent further infection.

Step 7: Tooth Filling and Crown

Tooth filling seals hole well, and a long-lasting crown restores your natural tooth structure.

Do I Need a Root Canal? – Symptoms and Signs

If you see the following signs, make sure you visit a savvy canal specialist near you as soon as possible. Remember, the sooner you go, the faster you will be able to save your teeth.

  • Continuous pain in the bone of the tooth
  • Sensitivity to heat and cold
  • Discolored tooth
  • Abscess
  • Puffy or soft gums nearby
  • Cracked or chipped tooth
  • Loose tooth
  • Pimple on gums that won’t go away
  • Painful tooth on touching or while eating
  • Dark gums or deep decay
  • Root resorption

Does the Canal Process Take Only Two Visits?

The endodontic therapy procedure aims to make your root system free of bacteria and infection. Most of the canal treatments require you to see an endodontist for two times to prevent the spread of further infection. Each visit lasts for near about 90 minutes.

Root Canal Aftercare

The mouth is a sensitive part of the human body. Treated canal and crown needs extra care after the treatment. For speedy root canal recovery, make sure you follow pre and post-surgical tips.

1. What should you eat after canal treatment?

  • Soft fruits (like mango, banana, stewed fruits, etc.)
  • Soft cereal (like semolina, weetbix well soaked, porridge, etc.)
  • Dairy products (yogurt, ice cream, milkshakes, fruit smoothies, milk, etc.)
  • Soft proteins (like eggs, white fish, tofu, etc.)
  • Dips (like hummus, babaganoush, tzatziki, etc.)
  • Pasta, Maggi, and noodles
  • Mashed veggies

2. What not to do after treatment?

  • Eat food on the opposite side of the treated tooth
  • Avoid taking extremes of heat immediately after the treatment (for the first 24 hours) like hot soup, coffee, tea, etc.
  • Avoid strenuous exercises for one day
  • Chew slow
  • Restrict your diet to soft foods
  • Do not consume sticky, spicy or crunchy foods
  • Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking for three days
  • Do not lift the lip to see the infected region
  • Drink a lot of cold liquids but avoid the use of straw
  • Avoid overly hot, cold or sugary beverages
  • Avoid spitting
  • Do gentle brushing in the infected region

Wrapping Up:

There is no surprise that canal therapy is a cost-effective option than having decayed or infected tooth eliminated. However, you need to make sure that you follow a good oral care routine at home after your treatment gets over. Remember that with proper care, the treated tooth will stay healthy for the rest of your life.

In case, you face extreme pain that doesn’t go away or any infection signs in the surrounding region, schedule a meeting with your skilled canal specialist instantly.

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