Root Canal
 Root canals have the reputation of being a scary and painful procedure. To be sure, a root canal is an intricate process that can cause discomfort to the patient. Receiving a root canal isn’t as frightening as it seems. When completed properly, the process does not cause more discomfort than a cavity filling. Cicero Family Dental Care is trained in the latest techniques and knows how to make a root canal as smooth as possible.
What Is A Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure that removes the diseased pulp of a tooth and its nerve and replaces it with a filling material. The tooth is then sealed shut. The patient may or may not also need a crown on the tooth for additional durability. This process is used when there is no other option for saving the tooth. Once a root canal has been performed, the tooth can be restored to its original function. The procedure is quite common. According to the website healthline.com, 15 million root canals are performed each year.
Are Root Canals Painful?
The general public has developed a negative opinion of root canals and most believe the procedure is quite painful which this is not accurate. During a root canal, the tooth undergoing the procedure is numbed so a patient will not feel anything. The patient is also monitored to ensure they are relaxed as well. Once the numbing agent wears off, a patient will feel discomfort, as is the case after most dental procedures. To handle any pain and discomfort, our staff will recommend OTC pain meds. Any discomfort resolves itself in roughly 3 days. The discomfort felt after the procedure isn’t much different than that felt after a standard filling.
How Long Does A Root Canal Take?
The length of time depends on the amount of work that needs to be done. If there is not much pulp to remove, it could take under an hour. If there is quite a bit of pulp that needs to be removed and a long stretch of roots, it could take 90 minutes or more. Our professionals will keep you informed at every step to let you know what to prepare yourself for.
How Soon Can You Eat After A Root Canal?
As with any procedure that uses a numbing agent, you will want to wait to eat until after that agent has worn off. If you try to eat while parts of your face are still numb, you could end up chewing on and damaging your tongue or cheek. However, patients are encouraged to wait a couple of days before eating and chewing directly with this tooth. Especially if they are experiencing discomfort in that area. If you need a crown placed on the tooth post root canal, wait until the crown is in place. Eat soft foods that will not require a lot of chewing.
Root canals are not the frightening procedure that they have been made into. They are intricate, but not anything to be frightened of. Cicero Family Dental Care has the training and skills to make the procedure pleasant and virtually pain-free. Call our office today at (680) 688-6026 to schedule your appointment.
FAQs
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental treatment used to remove infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth. After the tooth is cleaned and sealed, it can often be restored with a filling or crown to help preserve natural tooth structure and function.
When might I need a root canal?
You may need a root canal if you have a deep cavity, cracked tooth, dental trauma, lingering sensitivity, swelling, or tooth pain caused by infection or inflammation inside the tooth. At Cicero Family Dental Care, our dentists will examine your tooth and recommend treatment based on your symptoms and diagnosis.
Does a root canal hurt?
A root canal is performed with local anesthetic to help keep you comfortable during treatment. Many patients feel relief after the infected or inflamed tissue is removed, and our dental team will explain what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Can a root canal save my natural tooth?
Yes, a root canal is often recommended to save a natural tooth that might otherwise need to be removed. By treating the infection inside the tooth and restoring the outer structure, our dentists can help preserve chewing function and protect your bite.
Will I need a crown after a root canal?
Some teeth need a crown after root canal treatment, especially back teeth or teeth with significant damage. A crown can help protect the treated tooth, restore strength, and reduce the risk of fracture. Cicero Family Dental Care will recommend the right restoration based on the condition of your tooth.
How do I care for my tooth after a root canal?
After a root canal, follow your post-treatment instructions, avoid chewing hard foods on the tooth until it is fully restored, and keep up with brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits. Good oral hygiene and timely restoration can help support the long-term success of the treated tooth. |
