If your dentist has told you that you need a root canal, you might feel anxious about the procedure. However, understanding what happens during endodontic treatment can help ease your concerns and prepare you for a comfortable experience.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Dentists perform root canal therapy to save a tooth that has suffered severe damage or infection. When deep decay, cracks, or trauma inflame or infect the soft tissue inside your tooth (called the pulp), your dentist will remove the damaged pulp through a root canal while preserving your natural tooth.
The Treatment Process
Your endodontic treatment typically involves these straightforward steps:
Diagnosis and Preparation: First, your dentist will take digital X-rays to assess the extent of infection. Next, they’ll numb the area to ensure you remain completely comfortable throughout the procedure.
Cleaning and Disinfection: After numbing the area, your dentist makes a small opening in the tooth to access the infected pulp. Then, they carefully remove the damaged tissue and thoroughly clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth.
Sealing and Restoration: Once your dentist completes the cleaning, they fill the tooth with a biocompatible material and seal it. Finally, they often place a crown on top to restore the tooth’s strength and function.
What to Expect After Treatment
Most patients experience minimal discomfort after a root canal. Furthermore, any tenderness typically subsides within a few days, and you can manage it with over-the-counter pain relievers. Additionally, you’ll be able to return to your normal activities almost immediately.
Root canal therapy boasts a high success rate and can allow your natural tooth to last a lifetime with proper care. Moreover, modern techniques and anesthesia make the procedure no more uncomfortable than getting a routine filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a root canal painful?
A: No! Thanks to modern anesthesia and advanced techniques, root canal therapy typically feels no more uncomfortable than getting a standard filling. In fact, most patients report feeling relieved after treatment because the procedure eliminates the pain that the infected tooth caused.
Q: How long does a root canal take?
A: Dentists can complete most root canal procedures in one to two appointments, with each visit lasting between 60 to 90 minutes. However, the exact time depends on which tooth needs treatment and the complexity of the infection.
Q: Can I eat normally after a root canal?
A: Initially, you should avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your dentist places your permanent restoration. Once your dentist secures your crown and the numbness wears off, you can resume eating normally. Nevertheless, it’s best to stick to soft foods for the first day or two after treatment.
