The Root Canal Process and How to Manage Pain After Treatment

Just like every tissue in your body, your teeth are alive. Do you know what this means? Your teeth can be infected, and if the infection is severe enough, the diseased part has to go; else, the surrounding tissue will be at risk. The good news is that your entire tooth doesn’t have to be removed to stop the infection. Dr. Milton Ruiz from Pines Dental Associates in Pembroke Pines, Florida, uses root canal treatment to remove the infected tooth pulp, allowing you to keep your tooth.

The Root Canal Treatment

If you have an untreated cavity, crack, or severe dental trauma, the opening may leak bacteria into the pulp chamber, resulting in infection. Once the infection has compromised your tooth internals, you have two options: tooth extraction or root canal. Dr. Ruiz prefers root canal because it’s fast, painless, and doesn’t leave you with a gap that needs replacement with expensive options like dental implants.

If Dr. Ruiz recommends a root canal, here is what to expect from the treatment:

1. We numb your tooth for comfort during treatment. We then place a dental dam around your tooth to keep out saliva.
2. We make an opening at the top of your tooth to access the pulp chamber.
3. The dentist removes the diseased pulp chamber and the contents of the root canals. Next, we shape, clean, and disinfect your root canals to prepare for filling.
4. We seal out your empty root canals with gutta-percha to prevent future infections.
5. We place a temporary filling on your tooth as you wait for a permanent crown to restore your tooth for life.

When your dentist says you need a root canal, you don’t have to panic about it. The procedure is painless and fast and saves you from oral pain that deteriorates your quality of life.

Life After a Root Canal

Like most dental procedures, you will experience a mild ache when the anesthesia wears off. However, this pain is nothing compared to the daily pain of an untreated infected tooth. Your dentist will give you the below aftercare tips to reduce discomfort after a root canal.

• Take medications as prescribed: If the infection has already spread to the surrounding tissues, your dentist will prescribe antibiotics to stop the infection. Take medicine as prescribed to hasten the recovery process. We are also likely to prescribe over-the-counter painkillers to minimize any pain felt after the procedure.
• Watch out for the foods you eat: Avoid crunchy and hard foods for a few days following your root canal. Stick to soft foods and liquids and learn to chew with the opposite side of your mouth until you recover.
• Be gentle with your cleaning: Keeping the treatment area clean is essential to avoid infection. Gently brush around the area as being aggressive can dislodge your temporary filling. Also, don’t force the dental floss between the teeth.

While uncomfortable, any pain, sensitivity, and swelling after a root canal should last a few days. Please consult your dentist or endodontist if the symptoms don’t improve or increase over time.

Endodontic Specialist Near Me in Pembroke Pines, Florida

Want to rescue your tooth with root canal therapy in Pembroke Pines, Florida? Please dial (954) 715-4660 to schedule an appointment with Pines Dental Associates for gentle and effective root canal services.

Back to Root Canal Page