A tooth infection can be caused by your diet, poor oral hygiene, underlying diseases, etc. When such an infection is not treated on time, we may have to extract your teeth to save the remaining ones.
Root canal therapy is used to remove such infections from the pulp of your teeth. This treatment not only saves you from tooth extraction but also protects your teeth from further damage.
When Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?
- When you experience severe toothache every time, you chew your food or put pressure on such teeth, know that it is infected.
- You may need root canal treatment if you are suffering from prolonged sensitivity to cold and hot foods.
- If you experience a lot of swelling and tenderness in your nearby gums, your teeth may be infected, and you may need root canal therapy at the earliest.
- We may also suggest this treatment in case of discoloration of a particular tooth from the rest and injury or fracture to your teeth.
How is Root Canal Treatment Performed?
- We begin with a dental examination to check the condition of your infected teeth. We may also take X-rays of your teeth and gums to learn about the severity of the infection.
- You may be given local anesthesia to keep you relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure. We make a small incision on the surface of your teeth and remove all the infected pulp using small files.
- This step is followed by cleaning, shaping, and disinfecting the hollow area using dental files and irrigation solutions. After this, we use a rubber-like material and adhesive cement to seal your teeth completely.
- After root canal therapy, the nerve tissue in the tooth doesn’t exist anymore, and the infection is removed.
- As your tooth becomes more fragile than before, we will fill it with dental fillings. We may also use a crown to restore your tooth in some cases.
What Happens After the Procedure?
You may feel a little tenderness and sensitivity at the site of the surgery. To deal with the pain and discomfort, we will provide you with some painkillers and antibiotics. Ensure to take them as directed. You may use an ice pack to relieve the swelling.
Do not eat hard or sticky foods for 3-4 days after the surgery. Avoid chewing from the site of the surgery. Do not brush or floss too harshly. Rinsing your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash or salt and water is also recommended.
Please reach out to Mericle Dentistry in Simons Island, GA, to have a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Mericle. Please call us at (912) 638-3559 or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.
