What are root canals?
A root canal is a dental surgery used to remove infected or inflamed tooth pulp.
Pulp is a soft tissue that resides in the center of each tooth. It contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that help your tooth grow.
Pulp provides sensations like cold and heat, but it isn’t necessary for a tooth’s survival. By removing the infected or inflamed pulp, it’s possible to preserve your permanent tooth.
Thanks to modern treatment techniques, root canals are quick and relatively pain-free.
Why would I need a root canal?
Root canals treat damaged or inflamed tooth pulp. Several factors can negatively affect your tooth pulp, including:
- Deep decay caused by an untreated cavity
- Undergoing multiple dental procedures on the same tooth
- Chipping or cracking a tooth
- Suffering a tooth injury
If you damage a tooth or experience decay, telltale signs include swelling, pain, and the sensation of heat in your gums. If you develop any of these symptoms, contact Long Beach Family Dental Group right away.
What happens during root canals?
Long Beach Family Dental Group conducts root canals in the office as an outpatient procedure. Prior to treatment, your provider administers a local anesthetic to numb your tooth roots and gums.
Once the anesthesia sets in, your provider carefully drills into the affected tooth and removes the infected or damaged pulp.
After removing the pulp, your provider cleans out the root canal with an antiseptic solution. Next, they fill your root canal with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Your provider finishes the root canal by covering your tooth with a soft temporary crown.
They also take impressions of your tooth and send them to a dental lab. The lab manufactures a permanent crown that you receive about a week later.
Before leaving the office, your provider writes you a prescription for oral antibiotics. Make sure to take these as prescribed to lower your risk of infection.
What is recovery like following root canals?
Following a root canal, it’s normal to experience some tooth sensitivity, swelling, and mild irritation. To limit pain, you can take an over-the-counter painkiller or place an ice pack on your cheek.
Avoid brushing your affected tooth for at least a day and stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, or mashed potatoes. Make sure to attend all of your follow-up appointments and take any medications as prescribed. You should feel back to normal within a week’s time.
If you suspect you need a root canal, schedule an appointment at Long Beach Family Dental Group. Call the office and speak with a friendly staff member or book a consultation online today.
