Did your dentist say that you need root canal therapy during a routine exam or emergency visit due to pain? Chances are you have several questions and possible reservations. While it is a common procedure for endodontists, such as Dr. Bui at Eriks Dental Group, you must understand every step of root canal therapy. Here, the experts at Eriks Dental Group provide a comprehensive guide to understanding the root canal procedure and recovery.
What Is A Root Canal Procedure?
The root canal procedure is relatively simple. An endodontist cleans out infected bacteria from the canal and then fills and seals it to save the natural tooth. The steps are as follows:
Step One: Preparing The Area
To keep you comfortable during the procedure, the endodontist begins by numbing the gums and roots. Then they will place a dental dam inside your mouth. The dental dam works to isolate the tooth they are working on while protecting the rest of your mouth.
Step Two: Accessing And Cleaning The Area
Your endodontist will then use a drill to access the canal and chambers of the root. They will then use specialty tools to remove the bacteria and infection from the area. Afterward, the endodontist will clean and disinfect the canals with an antiseptic solution.
Step Three: Shaping And Filling The Canals
Before the root canal procedure is complete, the endodontist must shape and fill the drilled area. The first step in this process is shaping the canal. They will use precision instruments to expertly manipulate the area so they can fill it. To fill the canals, they will use a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Your endodontist will then heat and shape the material, so it fits comfortably. Finally, they will seal the canals with safe adhesive cement to keep bacteria out.
Step Four: Filling The Access Hole
To best prevent bacteria from entering the tooth, your endodontist must seal the access hole. In the case that your tooth is severely damaged and won’t be able to support the recovery process on its own, they will insert a post into the canal for better support.
Step Five: Crown Placement
Back teeth and severely damaged teeth will require a crown, more often than not. The purpose of a crown is to strengthen the tooth that received the root canal. Your endodontist will place the crown around the tooth for stability. Crowns are custom-made to match your existing teeth.
What Is Root Canal Recovery Like?
It is critical to practice proper aftercare following your root canal procedure. Taking the right steps ensures that your mouth heals completely and quickly. At Eriks Dental Group, Dr. Bui will carefully explain the recovery process. The post-treatment steps you should take include:
Immediate Aftercare
After the procedure, you will experience some swelling and pain. While this is inevitable, there are ways to make it more bearable. You can control the swelling by using ice packs. As you may feel discomfort eating in the following days, it is crucial to eat soft foods such as soup, mashed potatoes, and ice cream. To make sleeping more comfortable, keep your head elevated with pillows. Finally, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol to prevent foreign chemicals from entering the area.
Recovery Time
While it should only take two or three days for your mouth to heal, it is critical to pay attention to how you feel. If the pain and swelling do not subside, it may mean that you have an infection. Immediately contact your dental clinic if you notice excessive pain or swelling, hives or rashes on your body or in your mouth, pain while eating, or pain relievers are not effective. Getting plenty of rest after the procedure is key to a quick and effective recovery.
Further Care
Even after you recover from your root canal, your journey to proper oral health doesn’t end there. Be sure to brush and floss regularly and schedule a dental checkup every six months. While Dr. Bui is our in-house endodontist, Eriks Dental Group is proud to offer various preventative and cosmetic services.
Root Canal Therapy In Boynton Beach
If you think you may need a root canal, it is critical to contact your dentist before it’s too late to preserve your tooth. There is no reason to be afraid of root canal therapy if you have the right endodontist. At Eriks Dental Group, Dr. Bui’s incredible attention to detail and his education and experience make him the best endodontist in the Boynton Beach area. If you have questions about root canal therapy and recovery or would like to schedule an appointment, call us at (561)-733-4004 or contact us online today!