The Steps of a Root Canal and How to Speed the Recovery

People have the misconception that root canal therapy is dreadful. It is true that decades ago, it was uncomfortable, took multiple appointments, and the instruments were not so modern. However, thanks to all the advances in dentistry, our patients state that now it is like a filling.

Our endodontics dentist in NW Calgary will tell us everything there is to know about modern root canal treatment.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that extends the life of a damaged tooth. We remove the nerve, which has been infected and replace it with a biocompatible material.

We can divide the procedure into the following steps:

  1. Diagnostic – First, our dental professional will perform some tests on the tooth to determine its vitality and choose the correct procedure. They will take a set of x-rays as well.
  2. Eliminating the infection – Your dental professional will drill a hole in your tooth to access the cameral pulp. They will remove it along with any necrotic tissues and bacteria. Then, they will eliminate the infected tissue from the root canals (radicular pulp).
  3. Irrigation – Studies describe this part as the most important one. Choosing the right irrigating agent and clean the area for several minutes is essential. Our endodontic dentist near you uses 5,25% Sodium Hypochlorite.
  4. Drying the canals – They must be completely dried before placing the biocompatible material. We use paper cones for it.
  5. Sealing – Our endodontist will use Gutta-percha and cement to fill the root canal system. They will place temporary cement on top, and you will need an appointment with a prosthodontist that restores the tooth with a permanent dental crown.

What to Expect After the Procedure?

Afterward, you may experience discomfort, swelling, and sensitivity for a few days. You may follow these instructions for better recovery:

- Take painkillers – You do not need to tolerate the pain. Taking any over-the-counter medications will help you feel relief.

- Apply ice packs – For ten minutes on/off several times a day for the swelling.

- Chew with the opposite side – Until the permanent restoration is in place. After the root canal, the tooth has little remaining dental structure, and it is brittle. Avoid chewing with the treated side not to fracture the dental piece.

- Sleep with your head elevated – Used elevated pillows to reduce irritation.

- Take it easy – You may resume your activities right away; however, avoid strenuous exercise during the first 24 hours if you are in pain.

What Happens if You Don’t Treat the Infection?

If you don’t undergo root canal therapy near you when needed, the infection will keep spreading, reach the periodontal tissues, and you will develop an abscess. This situation is painful, and if you postpone treatment, bacteria may enter your bloodstream.

Another thing that can happen is losing the tooth because it becomes irreparable. When you miss a dental piece, the neighboring teeth shift towards the gap, you are more prone to develop cavities and gum disease, and your teeth will misalign.

The treatment after a tooth extraction is more expensive. You may need dental implants, one of the priciest devices in dentistry, and the dental crown that goes on top. Insurance companies usually don’t offer coverage for dental implants surgery.

Contact Us Today

If you have any questions regarding our root canal therapy in NW Calgary, you may contact our dental offices today or whenever works for you. We have a team of experts who will help you improve your smile and oral health.


11 comments:

  1. Excellent blog. You don't have to put up with the discomfort. You will feel better if you take any over-the-counter drugs.

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  6. You may begin to experience a few sensitivity and tenderness. It is minor and can manged with aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium. We suggest eating delicate food source and avoiding chewing with the treated root

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  7. The cost of treatment after a tooth extraction is higher. You may require dental implants, which are among the most expensive dental equipment, as well as a dental crown to cover them. Dental implants surgery is typically not covered by insurance.

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