When nerve of tooth is infected, a root canal is performed to remove the infected nerve tissue. Nerves can get infected from gross decay, fracture, or trauma to the tooth. The main purpose of removing the infected nerve is to avoid an abscess which can negatively affect the entire body. A root canal can help you avoid losing your teeth and help restore your smile.
Root Canal Procedure:
It takes 2-3 appointments to complete the Root Canal Procedure.
Appointment 1 Dr. Patel will remove the infected or dead tissue from the root of the tooth.
Appointment 2 Dr. Patel will fill the root with root canal with a filling material and seal the access.
Appointment 3 Dr. Patel will restore the tooth with an onlay or crown.
How to Care After Root Canal Procedure:
We use a local anesthetic to thoroughly numb the area being treated. The numbness in your lips, teeth and tongue might last several hours after the procedure. You should avoid chewing until the numbness has completely gone away.
CARING FOR YOUR TEMPORARY CROWN OR FILLING
A temporary filling or crown was placed in order to protect your teeth while your custom restoration is being created in a dental lab. You should take these precautions to avoid breakage and ensure that your temporary filling or crown stays securely in place:
- Avoid chewing gum and eating sticky or hard foods. If possible, chewonly on the opposite side of your mouth.
- Continue to brush normally.
- Floss carefully each day and avoid pulling floss upward around the temporary restoration. Instead, pull the floss out from the side.
WHAT IF MY TOOTH HURTS?
In the first few days after root canal therapy, you may have some discomfort or sensitivity in the tooth that was treated, especially if there was pain and infection prior to the treatment. If antibiotics have been prescribed for the infection, it’s important that you take them for the complete length of time indicated on the prescription, even if all signs of infection are gone.
To control discomfort, we recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever, following the label’s directions. To further help reduce pain and swelling, you can rinse three times a day with warm salt water. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 8oz of warm water, and then gently swish solution around in the mouth and spit.
