Root Canal Treatment: What To Do, What To Eat, And What Pain Level To Expect

At the mere mention of a root canal, dental patients will immediately cower in fear. Root canals have a serious reputation of being painful and taking a while to recover. For most, it is a dental procedure they would rather avoid for the rest of their lives if possible.

While a root canal can be scary at first, under the careful hands of the best dentists Lansdowne residents trust, a root canal will not be traumatic at all. Since knowledge can help a patient prepare for the procedure, here’s everything you need to know about root canals before, during, and after:

Before The Procedure

Patients will often seek dental treatment because of tooth discomfort. A root canal is the best course of treatment for patients who suffer from a severe toothache due to the bacterial infection reaching the pulp of the tooth. The infection may be accompanied by swelling of the gums and face which can eventually lead to tooth discoloration.

Dentists Lansdowne will require an x-ray which will show and locate the decay and its extent. After the x-ray, your dentist will determine if a root canal is the best treatment option for your case.

During The Procedure

There are three phases during a root canal. First is the local anesthetic which will numb the surrounding area to minimize pain. Despite what many fear, a root canal is no more painful than getting a tooth filled.

Second, the dentist will drill a hole on the infected tooth to remove the infected pulp and clean the canal. Third and the last step is to fill in the open root or roots with a material called gutta-percha and seal it with cement.

After The Procedure

Once the crown is restored and the tooth sealed, the procedure is completed. After which the patient will be given a list of instructions on how to care for the tooth as it recovers.

Depending on the extent of the infection, the gums may feel sore and swollen after the root canal. If there is some sign of discomfort, your dentist will prescribe a mild, usually over the counter painkillers to ease the pain. Tooth sensitivity is normal and it can last for a few days after the root canal. It is best to stick to a diet of soft foods that are neither too cold or too hot.

Dental Care After A Root Canal

It is highly recommended that patients strictly follow the aftercare guidelines provided by their dentist to ensure a complete, full, and fast recovery. Patients should also resume normal brushing and flossing practices but must avoid hitting the area where the root canal was performed to avoid agitating or causing harm.

If problems such as intense pain, allergic reactions, uneven bite, or in cases where the seal falls off, it is best to contact your dental care provider immediately.

There is some pain involved and slight discomfort during and after a root canal, but it is minimal compared to a severe toothache. It is a very small price to pay for healthier teeth.

Riverside Dental provides a complete line of dental services to make sure you have that perfect smile. If you want the best dentists Lansdowne, contact us today!