It can be pretty hectic living with a severely damaged or infected tooth. This is because a severely damaged or infected tooth can be quite painful, making it challenging for you to eat the foods you desire.
Moreover, it becomes challenging to concentrate on your work when you have a painful tooth.
Fortunately, root canal treatment can help alleviate the symptoms of a severely damaged tooth.
This treatment involves the removal of the tooth’s root pulp with nerves that cause pain. This piece will give you all the needed information about root canal therapy.
Root Canal Treatment Steps
When you sit on the operating chair, there are steps that the dentist in Rockville follows to ensure a successful root canal surgery.
First, anaesthesia is administered then the gross infection and damaged or dead nerve is removed. Next, the dentist applies an antibiotic to reduce the bacterial infection in the canal.
After the antibiotic is applied, the symptoms reduce, but it is best to continue the treatment to avoid reinfection.
The second step is where the dentist shapes the canals and cleans them further. There are certain drugs that the dentist utilizes to remove the debris that is stuck deep in the roots. The medication used creates a sterile environment for placing an inert filling.
After the environment is sterile enough, the dentist fills the canals with an inert material. Then, a permanent filling is applied for tooth restoration. Because your tooth is left weak after the treatment, the dentist installs a crown to support and protect the vulnerable tooth.
Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?
Many patients imagine that root canal surgery is excruciating. This is especially true as it involves the dentist removing the tooth root’s pulp which is found deep in the tooth, and therefore lots of pain might be experienced.
The truth is, before the advancement of dentistry, people usually felt pain when undergoing root canal therapy. However, the same cannot be said as of now. This is because there have been advancements in dentistry that have ensured patients are less nervous and experience little to no pain during dental procedures.
So, many patients report feeling some pressure or discomfort during root canal procedures and not pain.
Therefore, do not be afraid to seek an appointment with the dentist at Montgomery Dental Associates, as anaesthesia is used during the treatment.
Things You Need to Know After Root Canal Treatment
Once the local anaesthesia starts to wear off after the dentist has finished working on your tooth, you might feel slight tenderness and sensitivity. This is usually normal, and the sensitivity should wear off in days.
In addition, the dentist can recommend some over-the-counter analgesics to help relieve the discomfort.
Following a soft diet plan would be best until tooth sensitivity has faded. The good thing is that you can return to working as normal, as the sensitivity should not disrupt your daily routine.
There are aftercare tips other than taking antibiotics that can make your after-root canal surgery feel better.
First, you should use an ice pack to reduce swelling in the treated area. Then, hold the ice on your cheek on the treated area for about a minute, which will speed recovery and reduce uneasiness.
Next, it would be best to avoid smoking or vaping. This is because cigarette contains chemicals that slow down the healing process and can increase sensitivity.
It is essential to rest immediately after the treatment. Resting is vital in ensuring that your wound heals faster, so you can return to your regular routine. Taking a day or two off is recommended, and you will notice how fast your wound will heal.
Nevertheless, some complications can occur after a root canal procedure.
One common symptom of a botched root canal surgery is constant pain in the area where the treatment was performed.
Another symptom of a root canal complication is the treated tooth becoming discoloured. When your tooth becomes discoloured, its blood vessels have ruptured, and the blood is flowing into the dentinal tubules making the tooth discolored.
Moreover, if your gums stay swollen for more than three days can also indicate a failed root canal therapy. Again, it would be best to seek immediate medical assistance to save your tooth.