Painless Treatment for Rapid Symptom Relief
Anyone who has had an infected tooth can tell you how unpleasant the experience can be. Daily tasks, work, and even thinking can all become difficult due to the pain of an abscess. Having a root canal may be your optimal solution, providing quick pain relief and preserving your oral health. Contact Cleopatra Dental Riverside to learn more.
When Do You Need a Root Canal?
Patients need a root canal when the interior part of their tooth is either infected or vulnerable to infection. The inner portion, called the pulp, is where the tooth contains nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues that support your tooth. When this becomes infected, it puts the entire tooth in jeopardy. Additionally, the infection can spread to other parts of your mouth (and body) if not treated.
Typically, bacteria enter the tooth due to tooth decay or an injury that exposes the pulp. One of the best ways to avoid a dental infection is to visit your dentist for routine checkups and address any decay before it becomes significant. As for injuries, taking steps like wearing a mouth guard during sports can reduce your risk of damaging a tooth.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
- Significant pain (when resting, when chewing, or both)
- Bleeding from your gums
- Swollen or discolored gums
- Sudden cessation of pain (nerve death)
- Loosening of the tooth
- A tooth being newly sensitive to temperatures
- A larger crack in a tooth
Benefits of a Root Canal
- Comfortable, pain-free treatment
- Prevent infection from spreading to other body parts
- Prevent your tooth from dying
- Experience rapid relief from painful symptoms
- Restore the appearance of your tooth
Root Canal Therapy: At a Glance:
- Treatment Duration: About 1 hour
- Anesthetic: Local anesthetic for a pain-free treatment
- Treatment Type: Restorative dentistry
- Downtime: A few hours for numbness to wear off
- Pain Level: None during treatment, mild soreness after
- Materials Used: Gutta-percha (for the interior of the tooth), resin or porcelain (for the exterior)
What Is a Root Canal Procedure Like?
The first question on most patients’ minds is about how painful a root canal is. The simple answer: not painful at all. Due to local anesthetic and improvements in techniques, a root canal now feels about the same as a routine filling. The only discomfort may be a slight pinching sensation when the anesthetic is injected. But this lasts only for a few seconds and soon the area is numb.
The treatment involves clearing out the infected pulp and eliminating any bacteria on, in, and around the tooth. The interior of the tooth is then filled with a medical material and sealed off. For a more damaged tooth, a crown may be placed on it. Otherwise, it may be enough for the tooth to simply be sealed with a resin, like with a dental filling.
Recovering from a Root Canal
Healing from a root canal is typically straightforward and poses no inconvenience. However, we recommend waiting to chew or eat anything until the anesthetic wears off. Otherwise, it is all too easy to bite yourself while unable to feel it.
Aside from this, there may be mild soreness for a few days around the treated tooth. Still, patients instead tend to notice the immense relief from the painful symptoms of their tooth infection. By the end of the week, your mouth should be feeling great again.
Root Canal Aftercare Tips:
- Stick to soft foods for a few days after treatment, especially if sore.
- Chew on the side of your mouth opposite the treated tooth.
- Avoid smoking anything, as smoking impedes your tooth’s healing.
- Brush your teeth after every meal to clear out food debris and bacteria.
- Call our office if pain continues beyond 1 week after treatment.
How Long Do the Benefits Last?
A well-performed root canal treatment should provide benefits for about 10 to 15 years on average. The duration depends on a few factors, but the foundation for longer-lasting results is always good dental hygiene. Additionally, crowns tend to last longer than fillings.
Tips for Longer Results:
- Continue to attend routine dental visits for cleanings.
- Adhere to a healthy dental routine at home (brush and floss).
- Avoid an excess of sugary or acidic foods.
- Avoid smoking or excess alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a healthy diet high in minerals and vitamins to strengthen your teeth.
- Treat any decay as soon as it appears.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Book your consultation with our root canal specialist today to see quick and potent relief from a dental infection. In many cases, we may even see patients for a same-day root canal treatment in Riverside when time is of the essence. Call our office today to receive premium care that leaves you smiling.