What is a Root Canal?
Has your Chatswood dentist or endodontist told you that you need a root canal? If so, you’re not alone. More people’s teeth are treated and saved each year with the root canal, or endodontic, treatment.
A root canal (endodontic therapy) is a dental treatment for infections in the tooth pulp, the innermost layer of your teeth. Often, you can avoid needing a root canal by taking care of your teeth.
Why would I need a root canal?
You may need a root canal if bacteria inside your mouth invade the pulp inside your tooth and cause inflammation (pulpitis). Your tooth pulp may come under bacterial attack if:
- You have a deep cavity that needs treatment.
- You have a cracked or damaged tooth, and bacteria from plaque infects your tooth pulp.
Procedure
Endodontic treatment can often be performed in one or two visits and involves the following steps:
- The endodontist examines and takes a radiograph of the tooth using X-rays, then administers local anesthetic. After the tooth is numb, the endodontist places a small protective sheet called a “dental dam” over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva during the procedure.
- The endodontist makes an opening in the crown of the tooth. Very small instruments are used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals and to shape the space for filling.
- After the space is cleaned and shaped, the endodontist fills the root canals with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The gutta-percha is placed with an adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the root canals. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening. The temporary filling will be removed by your dentist before the tooth is restored.
- After the final visit with your endodontist, you must return to your dentist to have a crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.
If the tooth lacks sufficient structure to hold the restoration in place, your dentist or endodontist may place a post inside the tooth. Ask your Chatswood dentist or endodontist for more details about the specific restoration planned for your tooth.
Tips For Speedy Recovery
After a root canal procedure, it is critical to practice the proper aftercare routine so your mouth can heal quickly and completely. You also want to manage the pain and guard against infection.
Taking the right post-treatment steps will help the recovery process go smoothly. When patients visit Sunrise Dental Chatswood for a root canal, we thoroughly explain post-root canal care. Here is what you need to know if you have a root canal.
- Pain Management
It’s important to note that you may experience some discomfort following a root canal treatment, especially during the first few days after the procedure. The area may be tender and sensitive for several days; however, this should gradually subside over time. Your Chatswood dentist may prescribe an appropriate pain reliever to help manage any postoperative discomfort you may experience. Additionally, applying an ice pack or cold compress near the affected area can provide additional relief from pain and swelling.
- Eating Habits
You may also notice that it is difficult or uncomfortable to eat certain foods immediately following a root canal procedure. To reduce potential irritation and pain, it is recommended that you stick to soft foods such as oatmeal, yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes and other similarly textured foods while your mouth heals. Avoiding hard or crunchy foods such as nuts or chips is highly recommended as they can cause damage or further irritation near the affected area of your mouth.
- Oral Hygiene
Keeping up with good oral hygiene practices is essential for your root canal treatment to be successful. After a root canal procedure, you must brush twice daily using gentle strokes along with flossing at least once per day to remove any food particles from between your teeth which could lead to infection if left unchecked. It’s also important that you avoid smoking until your gums are fully healed as this could slow down the healing process and increase your chances of experiencing complications due to infection or inflammation.
Root Canal Recovery Time
Root canal recovery should only take 2-3 days. The pain will subside fairly quickly. In the long term, it is important to keep flossing and brushing daily and schedule biannual cleanings at the dentist to ensure your teeth stay healthy.
Schedule a Root Canal Appointment With Sunrise Dental Chatswood Today
Are you experiencing persistent tooth pain? Do you need a root canal? Get in touch with your Chatswood dentist by calling (02) 9419 5412 to schedule a root canal appointment. You can also book your appointment online at any time and request a free consultation.