About your care
A root canal is where the tooth’s nerve is located. If a tooth gets infected or damaged, the nerve of a tooth gets infected and needs to be removed. This is done by opening up the tooth and using files to clean out the canals to remove the nerve and pulp from the tooth. That is what is known by “Root Canal Therapy”. This is done to save a tooth that otherwise might have to be extracted. In most cases a crown is placed over the tooth after the procedure has been done, to help provide strength for the tooth and to help avoid future problems with the tooth.
Some of the common reasons for Root Canals are
A tooth has become abscessed (infected) from decay being in the tooth.
Sometimes if a tooth is chipped or broken, it can result in the nerve of the tooth being exposed.
Teeth that are aging and are slowing failing will sometimes need a root canal therapy done.
When decay has reached where the nerve in the tooth it, and that penetrates through the enamel and the dentin and into the pulp.
Root Canal Therapy is treatment that is highly successful. Most of the patients that have had Root Canal Therapy done experience little or no discomfort. With proper care and having routine check-ups, the patient can enjoy a restored tooth for many years.
Root Canal Treatment: What to Expect
Once the dentist determines that your tooth needs root canal therapy, the dentist will numb the tooth. During the procedure, the dentist will remove the infected pulp. Then the dentist will clean and shape the inside of the tooth, and fill the space with a sealer so that the tooth is closed off to any more infection. Throughout the procedure, you should not be having any pain. After the root canal therapy is completed, you will want to have a crown made to put over the tooth to protect the tooth.
Post op care for a Root Canal
Until a permanent crown is placed over the tooth, you will want to avoid biting down or chewing hard things on the tooth. It is best to get a crown made for the tooth as soon as possible, because the tooth will be more fragile after having a root canal done. It is recommended that you maintain good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing).
You may experience some pain after the root canal, normally the pain will go away after 24 hours after the procedure. Keep your head elevated for the first couple of nights and follow the post op instructions from the dentist regarding pain medication and antibiotics. It is also common for a patient not to experience any pain after a root canal treatment, but treat the tooth with care.
Potential Problems After A Root Canal
Soreness: It is not uncommon to feel soreness after a root canal. The theory is that the infection was advanced enough that it affected the surrounding jaw bone. In this case the tenderness and soreness could last up to six months after having a root canal.
Leftover bacteria: If bacteria remain after the canal has been cleaned out, it can grow and cause pain in the treated tooth. If the root canaled tooth feels fine, and then it starts to hurt again, schedule an appointment to have to checked out.
Crack in the root: If a crack in the root goes undetected during the root canal procedure, it will leave the area open to reintroduction of bacteria and may need to have further treatment.
Additional Problem areas: Sometimes there are more than one root causing you to have pain in your tooth, and you will have to have a second root canal procedure done. A second root canal in the same area as the last one will be more involved due to any fillings or crowns that were placed, that will need to be removed.
Erosion of materials: If the area is not properly cared for after having a root canal procedure done, the inner seal of the crown can erode and bacteria can be reintroduced. Contact the office if you feel anything irregular after having a root canal done.