A root canal helps to relieve dental pain and preserve a natural tooth from extraction. Today's root canals are easy procedures that cause very little, if any, discomfort. However, you may experience some tenderness and sensitivity in the days following your procedure.
After your root canal, you will want to choose softer foods for at least the first few days. Scrambled eggs, smoothies, yogurt, pudding, ice cream, pasta, mashed potatoes, and other soft foods can be soothing.
Avoid chewing on the tooth that received the root canal for at least the first several days since your tooth may experience some lingering sensitivity. However, your tooth will feel much better than before your procedure.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal?
Root canals treat teeth with infected, dead, or dying nerve tissue. The pulp becomes inflamed, eventually causing severe symptoms.
Teeth may need root canals due to extensive decay or tooth breakage that has compromised the pulp chamber. As with all dental work, promptly doing it will lower your chance of complications.
How Root Canals Work
Many people may feel concerned that root canals are painful, but they are quite comfortable today. The first step in a root canal is numbing the area with a local anesthetic so you will feel no discomfort.
Next, the dentist makes a small opening in the tooth's crown to enter the pulp chamber. The dentist removes every trace of pulp from the tooth's crown and root canals, cleaning and sanitizing the tooth for your safety and comfort.
The dentist refills the tooth with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. A filling or crown completes the restoration.
The GentleWave Procedure
Our practice is among the first in Ontario to offer GentleWave. This new procedure uses fluid and acoustic energy to clean and sanitize the root canals for better patient comfort and a higher success rate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
What are the symptoms that may require a root canal?
- Strong toothache when chewing or biting down (may come and go in the earlier stages)
- Persistent toothache that disrupts your sleep and ability to relax
- Extreme heat and cold sensitivity, especially if the pain persists when the food or beverage is gone
- Swelling along the gums
- Pimple-like swelling (dental abscess)
- Pus along the gums
- Fever or chills that could indicate a more serious infection
Over time, your symptoms will worsen as the tooth infection persists. Do not ignore these symptoms; visit your dentist as soon as possible for treatment.
How does a root canal save a natural tooth?
If you receive a root canal, you may be able to prevent the need for a tooth extraction and save the natural root system. Natural roots help to preserve jawbone integrity and allow a crown to be placed instead of a costly bridge, denture, or implant.
Call Bisson Dentistry
If any of the above symptoms indicate you need a root canal, call our Guelph, Ontario office at 519-821-3561 today. Delaying a root canal can lead to complications. We can relieve pain, stabilize your tooth, and restore oral health and comfort.