“I would rather walk on broken glass than have a root canal; I would rather …” and the jokes continue. Root canals have become so connected with pain that people often use them as an exaggerated example of the pain. However, with anesthetics and advances in modern technology, root canal procedures are now safe, pain-free, and over quickly - plus, you get to save a natural tooth!
Despite the advances in modern root canal procedures, the dentists and hygienists at Southfield Family Dental urge you to take tooth pain seriously so you can avoid a root canal. If you feel pain in your mouth or have a bothersome toothache, give us a call right away. The quicker you act on the infection causing tooth pain, the less likely you are to have the infection become an abscess and spread throughout your mouth.
Root Canal Recovery
The Root Canal Procedure
The purpose of a root canal is to clear out any diseased tissue. If done correctly and early enough, this procedure will save a tooth preserving a natural part of your mouth. The patient will be given local and possibly general anesthetic depending on their needs. The sedative typically makes the whole procedure about equal to a tooth filling pain wise. Your dentist will place a temporary filling on the tooth to protect it during recovery until they can add a more permanent crown. In some cases, a second procedure is necessary to clear all the infected tissue.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Most people have little pain during the procedure and leave their dentist sore but in good spirits. Although the dentist removed the nerve root and the infected tissue, some nerve endings will continue to be sensitive. These nerve endings and the area surrounding the tooth will be inflamed and sensitive for several days. The temporary filling may be uncomfortable in the short term until the full crown comes during the follow-up appointment.
Home Recovery and Pain Management
Over the counter pain medication and anti-inflammatories help with recovery. You should not need any more powerful medicine than these. Make sure to call your dentist if the pain worsens.
Avoid chewing using the tooth that recently had the procedure done on it. Make sure to keep brushing and flossing your entire mouth, treating your tooth with the recent root canal as similar to any other.
The teeth experts at Southfield Family Dental can help you with an effective root canal and proper pain management. For more information, give us a call today.