Root canal treatment is necessary when the sensitive structures inside a tooth become infected or damaged. Untreated tooth decay, injury, and cracks are the most common causes of inner tooth infections and avoiding the dentist can lead not only to increased pain but to tooth loss as well.
If root canal therapy is something you need, you’re not alone. By the time you experience pain in the tooth, it is most likely infected. When the pulp of your tooth is compromised by this infection the only alternative to root canal treatment is extraction. When you lose a tooth, other teeth can shift out of place and you begin to lose bone volume in that area. Root canal therapy today is highly successful, with results lasting up to a lifetime, if optimal oral health including regular visits to the dentist is maintained.
The following are common questions dentists receive when patients need a root canal.
Will I Experience Pain during or after Treatment?
Root canal therapy is designed to relieve discomfort, not add to it. With advanced techniques and the use of anesthetics, patients find themselves at ease while undergoing care.
Tooth sensitivity is generally routine after the procedure, especially if there was irritation beforehand. The area may not feel normal for a few days afterward, especially with the temporary crown in place. Any discomfort can usually be relieved with over-the-counter medications or those prescribed by your dentist.
How do I Keep the Treated Tooth Healthy?
It is important to follow the precise instructions your doctor gives you to ensure proper healing after your treatment. Taking care of your teeth as you normally would with regular brushing and flossing will keep the area clean and free of infection until your follow-up visit.
Once the root canal is completed, you’ll need to return to the dentist for a final crown that will fully restore the tooth. Created to look and function as a normal tooth, this crown is the final restoration and will be permanently attached.
Contact your dentist immediately if you experience any symptoms such as severe pain or pressure, noticeable swelling in or around the treated area, or the crown becoming loose.
If you or a loved one are experiencing sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverages, or have a constant toothache, you may need root canal therapy. Contact our Tonawanda dental practice today to hear from our experienced dentists Dr. Mark Danziger and Dr. Brent Popovich.