Root canal treatments tend to make people nervous because they’ve heard that they can be quite painful. However, root canals actually relieve tooth pain, sometimes instantly! Tooth infections can cause painful toothaches, but root canal treatment removes infected tissue, which alleviates the pain.
General Questions About Root Canal Treatment
What is the procedure for a root canal?
A root canal procedure includes 4 steps:
- Preparation: The affected tooth will be cleaned, and the dentist will numb the area.
- Pulp Removal: The dentist will carefully remove the inner tissues of the tooth.
- Sealing and Crowning: The tooth will be sealed and a temporary dental crown will be placed on top.
- Permanent Crown Placement: After a few weeks of healing, you’ll come back in to get your permanent crown placed.
Is a root canal painful?
Because of the anesthetics used in a root canal treatment, patients shouldn’t feel any pain. They may even feel instant pain relief. As soon as infected tissue is removed, many patients report feeling much more comfortable, despite the procedure.
How long does a root canal take?
Plan about an hour for root canal treatment. Depending on the dentist and how busy they are, the process may take longer or shorter.
Will I need to take time off work/school for a root canal?
Plan to take work or school off on the day of your root canal procedure. The day after your procedure, you should be well enough to return to your normal routine.
How successful is a root canal?
The success rate for root canal treatment is high — about 80–95%. If you want to prevent root canal failure, here are some things you can do:
- Follow your dentist’s provided aftercare instructions diligently.
- Don’t delay any follow-up appointments like the crown placement appointment.
- Attend regular checkups with your dentist so they can detect any problems early.
- Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash regularly.
- For a few days after your procedure, avoid hard or crunchy foods that could damage your temporary crown.
Questions About the Root Canal Treatment Process
What should I do to prepare for a root canal?
If you’re nervous about your root canal treatment, learning more about it is a great place to start. Talk to your dentist about your concerns. They may offer you a sedative to help you relax during the procedure.
Here are some other things you can do to get ready for your root canal:
- Make sure you have someone available to drive you home from your appointment.
- Prepare some entertainment like a book or a tablet.
How should I care for my tooth after a root canal?
To prevent accidental bites and burns, avoid eating or drinking anything until the numbness from the anesthesia wears off. Do not chew or bite down on the treated tooth until it is fully restored by a dental crown or filling, and avoid hard or sticky foods that may cause damage to the tooth or dislodge the temporary filling or crown.
Maintain good oral hygiene habits and take any prescribed pain medication or antibiotics as directed by your dentist to manage pain and prevent infection. Attend follow-up appointments with your dentist to monitor the healing process and ensure the tooth is fully restored.
If you experience any pain, swelling, or discomfort after the root canal, contact your dentist immediately.
Are there any foods I should avoid after a root canal?
To protect your tooth after a root canal procedure, avoid foods and drinks that are:
- Hard or crunchy.
- Sticky.
- Spicy or acidic.
- Too hot or cold.
- Alcoholic.
- Carbonated.
Got a Toothache? Get Rid of It Today!
Root canals get rid of tooth infections, leaving your mouth pain-free! If you’re struggling with a nasty toothache, schedule an appointment with Vibrant Dental today!