A root canal is a dental procedure that entails the removal of the dental pulp, which is the soft tissue located at the core of the tooth. This procedure is typically employed as an alternative to extracting severely infected, damaged, or decayed teeth. The majority of root canals are performed on an outpatient basis, eliminating the need for general anesthesia and enabling a relatively quick recovery period.
Patients commonly discover, sometimes to their surprise, that a root canal procedure is no more uncomfortable than the sensations they have encountered during a dental filling. To ensure your comfort throughout the procedure, anesthesia will be administered.
When the pulp of a tooth is infected or damaged as a result of gum disease, tooth trauma, or tooth decay, it can cause significant pain and inflammation. If conservative treatments prove inadequate, we may suggest two possible options: extracting the tooth or undergoing a root canal procedure.
A tooth extraction may hinder your chewing ability and cause teeth misalignment, while a dental implant can be recommended to solve these issues. In contrast, a root canal procedure saves your natural tooth, avoiding the costs and complications of extraction and reducing the need for dentures or implants. If you're unsure about the best choice for you, schedule an appointment at the Aesthetic Dental Center of Hackensack, where our team will discuss treatment options and address your questions.
In addition to discovering that root canals are not painful, patients often find it surprising that the procedure itself is relatively simple and uncomplicated. With the use of a local anesthetic, we ensure that the area is thoroughly numbed. The process involves removing the dental pulp, shaping the interior of the tooth, and filling the root canal with a special medicament. A temporary crown is then placed to protect the tooth, and in some cases, a permanent crown may be recommended to further preserve the tooth's integrity.
After a root canal procedure, expect your mouth to remain numb for a few hours as the anesthesia wears off. During this time, avoid hard or chewy foods and hot beverages to prevent accidental biting or burning. Take prescribed pain medication as directed and expect minimal discomfort in the following days. Stick to soft foods, chew on the opposite side of your mouth, and brush your teeth gently.
If you have prolonged pain, contact us for follow-up care. Schedule an appointment at our Aesthetic Dental Center in Hackensack if it has been a while since your last dental visit. Delaying necessary treatment increases the risk of tooth loss. Our team is available to answer any questions about dental procedures and treatments.
