A root canal is necessary for patients who have severe tooth infection or tooth decay. Root canals also prevent the tissues surrounding the tooth from further infection. Premier Dental, your trusted Idaho Falls ID dentist, will help to alleviate any dental anxiety or stress, as root canal therapy is a procedure you need to take care of – for the health of your teeth and mouth.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
When the nerve of a tooth (also known as a pulp) is injured or damaged it breaks into pieces of debris which then attract bacteria which leads to Infection and abscess. Eventually, the teeth and the surrounding gums will become inflamed. It’s also possible for the inflammation to spread to the face and neck—so this infection not only hurts your dental health but your overall health.
Signs and Symptoms that you may need a root canal:
- A darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- Severe tooth pain when you chew or apply pressure
- Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- A tenderness and swelling of the gums
Root Canal Procedure
A root canal procedure gets rid of the tooth parts that are infected, and it decontaminates and irrigates the tooth’s canals. A special solution (sodium hypochlorite) and water is used to irrigate the tooth to wash away the toothy flotsam and jetsam. Next, the nerve and pulp are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
Since the pulp or the nerve is removed during the root canal procedure, the tooth becomes hollow. The tooth is then sealed with fillings and usually, an antibiotic is also applied. Subsequently, the tooth will be closed up and preserved with dental cement. During the second appointment, a cap or crown should be placed over the tooth for added protection.
If you need a root canal, give us a call or request an appointment. Our dentists are fully trained and will help you relax while the entire procedure is performed. And with our extensive knowledge in sedation dentistry, you will be fully comfortable.
After Your Root Canal Procedure
After your root canal procedure, you may experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, as well as sensitivity to pressure. Some swelling and tenderness is normal, and we advise taking over-the-counter pain medicine (Advil or Motrin 200 mg. or Tylenol), or we may prescribe pain medicine. If swelling or pain is still present after a few days, or if your swelling is increasing, contact our office.
Eating and drinking: A temporary restoration is not very durable and could possibly break or become dislodged if not treated carefully.
- Avoid sticky and hard foods.
- Floss your temporary restoration gently. Pull floss out to the side, don’t bring the floss up, so that the temporary filling will not dislodge or come off.
- The tooth can often be very weak during therapy. Avoid biting on hard objects until the tooth is properly restored with a filling or crown.
- Hot food or beverage can be harmful to your tissues after anesthesia. Avoid drinking hot beverages until the numbness wears off.
Learn more about crowns >>
Learn more about sedation dentistry >>
