Root Canal

The Dentist said I need a root canal, what do I do?

Well we are here to tell you a few things you should know:

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A root canal is a procedure that is done on a bothersome tooth that no longer can be fixed with just a filling in order to save the tooth when indicated. Some indicators of needing a root canal involve severe pain on a tooth that will wake you up in the middle of the night or have extreme sensitivity to hot/cold/chewing. The procedure is usually straight forward and involves placing a medicine in the tooth, performing the procedure, and sealing the tooth to prevent contamination.

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While services you receive may vary, the procedure will go as follows:

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• You will be anesthetized and a rubber separator will be placed on the tooth to help keep you comfortable and the everything else clean.
   

• The decay and infection will be removed
   

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• Sometimes a medicine may be placed in the tooth (at this stage depending on the amount of infection, you may need to come back for a second appointment). Additionally, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed at the doctor’s discretion.
   

• Also sometimes due to the complexity of a root canal, we many bring a specialist (Endodonist) who is trained to perform difficult root canals with accuracy and precision.
   

• The tooth and canals will be cleaned and filled with material to prevent contamination and prevent root canal failure.

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• After the root canal is completed, a temporary filling will be placed and you will be given a second appointment to build-up the missing tooth structure and place a crown on the tooth. [click here to see crowns and bridges]

Additional Tips
 

• It is normal to feel some discomfort after a root canal for a few days. Normally the discomfort will subside over time and by the follow up appointment should be completely gone. If there are any questions or concerns after a root canal you can reach the office at (833) 377-6265
   

• Once the temporary filling is placed in the tooth, stay away from flossing in the area. You can resume normal brushing around the temporary filling but keep in mind that the temporary filling will crumble over time. Do not be alarmed if pieces of the filling are missing. If the whole temporary filling falls out, please contact the office and schedule an appointment to be seen by the doctor. 
   

• Chewing on that side may be difficult. Stay away from any vigorous chewing on the side with the temporary filling and eating anything that is sticky, crunchy, sharp or chewing.