A root canal treatment may sound terrifying, but it is a necessary procedure. This procedure has a reputation for being uncomfortable. It is no wonder that you might want more information about what to expect. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you get a better understanding of a root canal.
The simple explanation of the root canal is that it is all about clearing the dead root inside a tooth. The dentist drills a hole into the tooth, a canal, and cleans out the root and pulp. A root canal treatment is complete in a couple of appointments. It is an effective treatment to save a tooth and relieve existing discomfort.
One of the first signs is the pain that can happen. The tooth pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to decay or a cracked tooth. If left untreated, the infected or inflamed pulp can result in an abscess. Several other signs can signal treatment is necessary, like sensitivity to cold or hot things, tender gums, and a darkening of the gums.
After removing the pulp, the dentist cleans the space and seals it with a dental composite. If the dentist has decided a crown is needed, an additional appointment will be necessary. Putting on a crown protects the tooth. It also restores the tooth’s normal functioning.
The procedure itself is not painful. For a short time after the root canal treatment, dental discomfort is not unusual. It can be relieved with typical over-the-counter medications. If the pain does not go away within a few days, a call to the dentist is necessary to have the site checked.
Aftercare of a root canal is not difficult, but it does require a delicate touch. It is necessary to avoid chewing anything hard or chewy after a root canal until a crown is in place. Once a crown is installed, regular hygiene is all that is needed. If it becomes painful years down the road, a repeat treatment may be the most successful approach.
Soft foods are acceptable after a root canal treatment. Things like yogurt or applesauce are good examples of the texture to look for in food. Avoid eating anything hard because it can hurt the tooth. If the tooth gets cracked, then it will have to be extracted.
Smoking is never a good idea after treatment. It can increase the risk of additional procedures in the future. The more a person smokes, the more likely a root canal will be needed again. It is a good idea to avoid smoking if at all possible.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal Treatment in Red Bluff, CA
Root canal treatments are not as scary as they once were, and you can get it done in a couple of appointments. As an effective treatment, you can restore the functionality of your tooth and relieve pain at the same time. After a root canal, you want to be careful with your tooth. Do not eat anything hard that could crack or break it until after the dentist installs the crown.
Request an appointment or call Randal S. Elloway DDS, Inc at 530-527-6777 for an appointment in our Red Bluff office.
Dental professionals use a root canal treatment to stop tooth decay from getting worse and treat the effects of tooth decay. While reversing tooth decay is not possible, root canal treatment can often restore the appearance, shape, and overall health of a tooth that is damaged by a severe cavity.While minor cavities may only need…
Root canal treatment can help with gums and the underlying jawbone. Read on to learn more about this endodontic treatment. This article discusses root canal treatment and how it can improve the health of the tooth receiving the treatment as well as the gums that support it. Gum and tooth health often go together. If…
Having a root canal treatment can help you regain your dental health. Most people are not aware of their need for this procedure. You may be one of those who dismiss some symptoms because of your busy schedule. If you want to know about the symptoms indicating your need for root canal treatment, here are…
Wisdom teeth extraction involves removing one or more of the teeth of the third set of molars. This can be performed before the tooth erupts, after the tooth has grown in, or if the tooth becomes impacted, i.e., it has only partially erupted from the gums. Extraction may be recommended for a variety of reasons.If…
Dental crowns are often costly and require that a dentist remove a significant amount of the tooth's structure to place them. Read on to learn about dental crown alternatives. Other treatment alternatives are sometimes available that are either less expensive or significantly less invasive. Dental crowns are frequently used to restore severely damaged teeth.The following…