Understanding Root Canals: What They Are and How They Can Save Your Tooth

Let’s talk about root canals. We know, the phrase itself might make you think of something unpleasant, but a root canal is actually one of the best ways to save a damaged or infected tooth, and it’s not as bad as you might imagine! In fact, it can relieve a lot of pain and help you keep your natural smile.

So, what exactly is a root canal? It’s a procedure where we clean out the inside of a tooth that’s been damaged by infection or deep decay. Inside each tooth is something called pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When that pulp gets infected, it can lead to some serious pain. That's where the root canal comes in. We remove the infected pulp, clean the area, and seal it up to protect it from further damage.

Why You Might Need a Root Canal

There are a few signs that might indicate you need a root canal.

- If you’ve been dealing with a toothache that just won’t go away.

- if you feel sharp pain when chewing, that could be a signal.

- Sensitivity to hot and cold that lingers,

- Swelling around the gums, or darkening of a tooth

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to come in for an evaluation. Leaving an infection untreated can lead to more serious problems down the road, including tooth loss.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

Here’s a quick breakdown of what happens during a root canal:

1. First, we numb the area: You won’t feel anything during the procedure thanks to local anesthesia. It’s designed to make sure you're comfortable the whole time.
2. We access the pulp: Once the area is numb, we make a small opening in the top of your tooth to reach the pulp inside.
3. We clean the canals: Using specialized tools, we carefully remove the infected or damaged tissue. The goal here is to get rid of everything causing the problem.
4. Filling and sealing: Once the tooth is clean, we fill the space with a special material that protects the inside of the tooth. After that, we seal the opening, and in some cases, a crown is placed on top to give the tooth added strength.

It might sound like a lot, but most of our patients say it feels similar to getting a filling. The best part? No more pain once the infection is gone!

Read More: Keep Cool and Get Relief from Tooth Sensitivity

Aftercare for Your Root Canal

After your root canal, it’s normal to feel some tenderness for a few days, but that usually goes away pretty quickly. Most people return to their normal routine by the next day, though we always recommend following up with your dentist to make sure everything is healing properly.

To ensure a smooth recovery, here are a few aftercare tips to keep in mind:

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers: Mild discomfort is normal after the procedure, and pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage any soreness.
• Avoid chewing on the treated tooth: Until your tooth is fully restored with a permanent filling or crown, try not to chew on that side of your mouth to avoid any damage.
• Keep up with your oral hygiene: Continue brushing and flossing as usual, but be gentle around the treated area.
• Stick to soft foods: For the first day or two, it’s a good idea to eat softer foods that don’t require much chewing.
• Follow any specific instructions from your dentist: Your dentist might give you additional tips or guidelines, so be sure to follow those carefully.
• Attend your follow-up appointment: It's important to check in with your dentist to ensure the tooth is healing properly and discuss any further restoration, like getting a crown.

If you’re dealing with tooth pain or think you might need a root canal, give us a call today. We’re here to help you get back to feeling your best!