Root Canal
When the health of a tooth is so poor that future infection is considered likely or inevitable, a pulpectomy, or removal of the pulp tissue, is advisable to prevent infection. Usually, some inflammation and/or infection is already present within or below the tooth. To cure the infection and save the tooth, we drill into the pulp chamber and remove the infected pulp by cleaning it out of the root canals. Once this is done, we fill the cavity with an inert material and seal up the opening. This procedure is known as “root canal therapy.” With the removal of nerves and blood supply from the tooth, it is best that the tooth is fitted with a crown; this increases the prognosis of the tooth by six times.
What is a Root Canal?
Root canal treatment is an often straightforward procedure to relieve tooth pain and save your teeth. During root canal treatment, an endodontist who specializes in such treatment carefully removes the pulp inside the tooth, cleans, disinfects and shapes the root canals, and places a filling to seal the space.
When is a Root Canal Needed?
Patients typically need a root canal procedure when there is inflammation or infection in the roots of a tooth.
How does endodontic treatment save the tooth?
It’s necessary to have endodontic or root canal treatment when the inside of your tooth (the pulp) becomes inflamed or infected as a result of deep decay, repeated dental procedures, faulty crowns or a crack or chip in the tooth. Trauma to your tooth may also cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.
When you undergo a root canal or other endodontic treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Afterward, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection and will continue to function like any other tooth.
Endodontic treatment helps you maintain your natural smile, continue eating the foods you love and limits the need for ongoing dental work. With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime.
After Your Root Canal Treatment
You may notice tenderness for up to 30 days or longer. This is normal and should be manageable with over-the-counter medications (Motrin, Advil or extra strength Tylenol).
You may take between 400mg-600mg of ibuprofen plus up to 500mg acetaminophen at a fixed interval every 6 hours for 24 hours.
*If you are pregnant or presently taking blood thinners, check with your physician regarding which medication is best for you.
Numbness will last approximately 2-3 hours. Once numbness is gone, you may resume your brushing and flossing routine.
You may drink liquids at any time, but use caution with hot beverages.
Avoid eating until the numbness is gone so you do not bite your cheek or tongue.
Avoid chewing on that side of the mouth until bite tenderness is gone, which may take up to 30 days or longer.
If you were prescribed antibiotics, please continue as directed. A small amount of swelling is possible even when taking antibiotics, but is should subside.
Your dentist will be informed after your treatment has been completed.
If the tooth does not already have a crown, the American Dental Association recommends a crown with 2-6 weeks after your root canal.
