What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure your provider uses to repair a badly decayed or infected tooth. They remove the inside of the tooth, or the pulp that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, to get rid of decay and bacteria. Dr. Rahman repairs the tooth to protect it from future damage.
What are signs I might need a root canal?
If you experience the following signs or symptoms, a root canal might be necessary to save your tooth and avoid extraction:
- Swelling around your teeth and gums
- Facial swelling
- A hole in your tooth
- Tooth pain
- Temperature sensitivity
- A crack in your tooth
To find out if a root canal is needed, Dr. Rahman reviews your dental history, examines your tooth, and takes dental X-rays. In the case of severe tooth decay, extraction might be necessary. For milder cases, dental fillings, inlays, onlays, or crowns might help restore your tooth.
What happens during a root canal?
Prior to a root canal, Dr. Rahman numbs the treatment area and offers a sedative to help relax you. He makes a hole in the top part of your tooth to gain access to its pulp.
Dr. Rahman and his team remove the diseased part of the pulp and clean out the pulp chamber. He disinfects it and fills the opening with special dental materials to restore your tooth. Dr. Rahman places a filling on the top portion of the tooth to protect it. You may have to take antibiotics if your tooth was severely infected.
The final step during a root canal is receiving a porcelain crown, or cap, that fits over the tooth to protect, strengthen, and restore it. Floral Dental Care, PC, offers Cerec® same-day crowns for added convenience.
What should I expect after a root canal?
After a root canal, your restored tooth is more aesthetically pleasing and functions better, although it might feel a little sensitive for a few days. Take over-the-counter pain relievers or apply an ice pack to the area until the pain subsides.
Care for your restored tooth by brushing your teeth at least twice daily, flossing every day, and not chewing on hard objects. Contact Floral Dental Care, PC, right away if your crown becomes loose or damaged.
Don’t let a toothache progress to severe pain or tooth loss. Schedule an appointment with Floral Dental Care, PC, over the phone or online to find out if a root canal is right for you.
