A Root Canal is a common dental procedure that is done on a tooth that has decayed or has been damaged. During this procedure, the dentist removes the pulp from the centre of a tooth and then fills up the cavity so that the infection will not spread to the other teeth. A Root Canal can also be a solution for an abscessed tooth. This treatment can also relieve a toothache, halt infection, and help in healing.

What to Expect During a Root Canal Treatment

Here are the steps that happen during a root canal treatment:

  1. The dentist will first numb your gums so that you are not able to feel the pain before injecting the anesthesia.
  2. When the gel applied to gums has already taken its effect, your dentist will now inject the anesthesia that will completely numb your teeth, gums, tongue, and surrounding skin. There are times that nitrous oxide will be used to keep anxiety to a minimum level and help the patient relax.
  3. The decayed tooth is separated with the use of a small sheet of rubber on a metal frame. The rubber will help prevent liquid and chips from tooth from entering down your throat.
  4. The pulp from the tooth with be removed using a drill and some other tools. The inside part of the tooth that is below the gum line will be filled with medicines as well as temporary filling materials. After that, the final root canal filling is used.
  5. A permanent filling is usually needed after the root canal. Sometimes, a crown is needed. A temporary crown may be fitted until the permanent one is ready to be cemented.

What to Expect After the Procedure

After a root canal treatment, you may feel some numbness and tingling sensation on your lips and gums. This is due to the anesthesia and may last for a few more hours until the anesthesia wears off. After that, you may feel pain due to the procedure. This is normal and you can ease the pain by taking pain medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. A stronger prescription can be given by your doctor. This pain may be felt for a day or two.

The crowns that are placed on top of the tooth will need regular check-up in case they fall off.

Risks

If you are prone to infection, it is suggested to take antibiotics before and after a root canal. People who are born with heart defects or artificial heart valves are some of the people who can easily get infected.