If you need a root canal, it’s normal to be a little nervous about your upcoming procedure. After all, many people only know about root canals from movies and TV shows that portray them as painful and even embarrassing. But the truth is, most root canals are not “as seen on TV.” They are generally much more comfortable and a lot less dramatic. If you’re getting a root canal, here’s what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Before Your Root Canal
When you arrive at your dentist’s office for your root canal, you will be given local anesthesia to numb the area before the procedure. Once you are comfortable, your dentist will begin.
During Your Root Canal
A root canal is performed by first draining the tooth and clearing away the infected tooth pulp. Once it is removed, your dentist will disinfect the inside of the tooth and then replace the infected pulp with a synthetic, medicated pulp. They will then close the tooth back up, and the procedure will be over. You may need to return for a crown, however in some cases your procedure will be completed with just a filling.
After Your Root Canal
Thankfully, due to the anesthesia the root canal itself should be painless, however its effects will wear off within a few hours. Still, you should be able to drive yourself home from the procedure and return to work or school without any delays. Once the numbness wears off, you will likely feel some discomfort as your mouth heals, but it should not be as severe as the pain you felt from the infection prior to the root canal.
Any discomfort following the procedure should be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen. You should only need to take it for a few days before your tooth feels back to normal, or at least close enough to normal that you can manage it without assistance.
Furthermore, you should avoid crunchy or hot foods for a few days after your root canal, and if possible, avoid chewing with the newly repaired tooth. This will allow you time to heal and for any sensitivity to go away before returning to your normal diet.
If you require a crown to be placed following your procedure, be sure to attend your next appointment to have it placed. This will help continue the healing process and allow you to get adjusted to your new tooth.
How To Tell If Something Is Wrong…
Occasionally root canals can fail, but they can usually be redone in those instances. Warning signs that could indicate a failed root canal include:
- Swelling
- Uneven bite
- Increasing or returning pain
- Fever
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Loss of a temporary filling
- Itching, trouble breathing, or hives (all of which could be signs of a medication allergy)
Remember, the pain of a root canal is nothing to fear. In fact, most patients feel a lot better after their procedure because the painful infection in their tooth has been removed. Don’t extend your suffering and lose valuable time over fears of post-op discomfort. Schedule your root canal today. It could save your tooth!
About Dr. Geer
Dr. James D. Geer has been treating Tomball families since 1977. In fact, he’s so beloved that his patients were able to convince him to leave retirement and come back to practicing! Dr. Geer has a warm, compassionate presence, and is well respected by his peers in the field. He holds memberships in the American Dental Association, the State of Texas Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Willowbrook Dental Study Club, and the Greater Houston Dental Society.
To schedule a root canal with Dr. Geer, please visit our website or call us today at 281-357-4337.