Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy involves the removal of nerves from the pulp of the tooth. While there is a general perception that the root canal is painful, it is actually a pain-relieving therapy. Also referred to as endodontic therapy, it is an effective treatment for saving your tooth. At Elite Endodontics, Dr. Danni Sayman can provide comfortable and smooth treatment. He has vast experience and follows continual education in endodontics, anesthetics, and post-operative care. When it comes to your root canal therapy in our clinic, you can remain assured about feeling relaxed at all times.
When Will You Need Root Canal Therapy?
Teeth can often seem to be invincible. They are effective at breaking down food and contribute to a beautiful smile. A tooth has multiple layers and can become weak over time. Lack of proper hygiene and care can cause damage that exposes the dental pulp’s inner layer. When the pulp is infected, it can cause different pain levels when you speak, eat, or at any time.
The infection can spread to its center or the dental pulp whenever a tooth becomes infected. The dental pulp contains:
- Nerves
- Blood vessels
- Connective tissue
This area is the sensitive center of your tooth. Whenever this area gets infected, there can be extreme pain, thus requiring immediate treatment. If you have the following symptoms, we recommend you contact us immediately for a diagnosis and proper therapy:
- Toothache or jaw pain
- Biting discomfort
- Gum or facial swelling
- Tooth abscess
- Darkening of a tooth
- Blister-like bump on the gums
- Sensitivity to heat or cold
- Sensation of pressure in the jaw
Deep cavities, cracks, and physical trauma can all create a medium for bacteria to reach the dental pulp and cause infection. When this happens, root canal therapy may be required to restore your oral health, comfort, and function.
The Root Canal Process
At Elite Endodontics, patient comfort is our top priority. Root canal therapy can be performed under local anesthetic, or we may also use sedation dentistry to make our patients feel relaxed. When performing the treatment, our qualified endodontist can create a tiny opening on the tooth to access the dental pulp. The decayed or infected pulp is then carefully removed. Once complete, the internal areas of the root are disinfected and filled. The procedure is complete after the tooth is sealed using a temporary filling.
The tooth has no pulp and will receive nourishment from the part connecting it to the bone. While this nourishment supply is enough, the tooth can become brittle over time. So your referring dentist will place a permanent filling or crown for protection. You should avoid chewing or biting until the filling or crown is complete. Once the crown or filling is in place, you can use your tooth for normal function.
Usually, root canal therapy is completed in a single appointment. However, the following problems can increase the number of appointments:
- Complex root canal anatomy
- Major infections
- Failed previous root canals.
What Should You Expect Post Root Canal Therapy?
Once your root canal therapy is complete, your tooth will become intact. You should expect nothing more than mild discomfort during the treatment. Some patients may experience mild discomfort for 1 or 2 days after the treatment. This is normal, and if required, you may take over-the-counter pain relievers. If needed, we can also prescribe medication.
When it comes to eating after a root canal therapy, it depends on how your oral condition reacts to the procedure. Individual discomfort thresholds are different and can be challenging to measure. As a general rule, we suggest the following to our patients:
- Take soft foods for 2 to 3 days following their treatment.
- Chew food slowly and use the side opposite to the one treated.
The root canal treatment is followed by a follow-up appointment. During the healing period, the tooth is sensitive and has a risk of fracturing. The follow-up sessions will monitor the healing progress and ensure that there are no complications.
Saving Damaged or Infected Tooth
You should not put off the treatment if you have a damaged or infected tooth. Delaying root canal therapy can put your teeth and general health at risk. At Elite Endodontics, our experienced and qualified team led by endodontist Dr. Danni Sayman can provide effective root canal treatment after a thorough diagnosis. We can save your affected teeth and bring your oral health back to normal.
We always place our patients’ comfort first. Our team will work hard to make you feel comfortable and relaxed no matter your treatment requirements. We strive to make root canal therapy as comfortable as possible.