Do you shudder when you hear the words “root canal”? Does the thought of sitting in that dental chair and waiting for the procedure to begin make your heart race? We’re here to let you know that there’s no reason to worry! Our amazing doctors at Shapiro Family Dentistry can perform a root canal in Boynton Beach, FL, in the most comfortable way possible.
Most people are afraid of getting a root canal because they don’t know what to expect during the procedure. The myths about how painful it is don’t help much, either. If you’re avoiding a root canal because of fear, your condition could get worse with time. At that point, you’ll need a dental procedure much scarier than a root canal!
What is a Root Canal?
If you’ve been told that you need a root canal, you might be wondering what it is. This procedure involves removing the soft center of the tooth, called the pulp. This part of the tooth contains nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels responsible for helping the tooth grow. When the pulp gets irritated from trauma or decay, it can get inflamed or even infected. As you may imagine, this can cause a lot of tooth pain! Delaying treatment increases your risk of further damage to the tooth and jawbone. The way to prevent this from happening is by getting a root canal.
Before the Procedure
Before you make an appointment for a root canal procedure, you’ll need to schedule a consultation appointment with your dentist to determine if one is really necessary. They’ll determine the cause of your toothache and check for any deep decay or infection. If the tooth can be saved, you can get a root canal. If the damage is already done, you’ll need to get the tooth extracted.
This appointment will also be your chance to ask as many questions as you can. You should have the answers to the following information before scheduling a root canal procedure.
- What to do before and after the procedure
- What pain management is offered
- Why the procedure is absolutely necessary
During the Procedure
Now that you have all the information you need and your appointment is set up, it’s time to prepare. By this point, you might already be feeling anxious, but there’s no need to be! Root canals are generally painless, and they give you promising results. Trust us –you’ll be glad you got it done! Here’s what will happen during the procedure:
The Numbing
Before the root canal procedure begins, your dentist will make sure you are comfortable as possible. They’ll inject the gums near the affected tooth with a numbing agent. It’s just a tiny pinch and will likely be the most discomfort you’ll experience during the entire procedure! You’ll be awake during your root canal procedure, but the numbing medication and local anesthesia will prevent you from feeling any pain.
The Pulp Removal
Once your tooth is numb, your dentist will drill a small opening at the top of your tooth to access the pulp. They will then use special tools called files to carefully remove the damaged pulp from your tooth.
The Cleaning and Disinfecting
After removing the pulp, your dentist will carefully clean out and disinfect the canals in the affected tooth. They will coat the area with a topical antibiotic to ensure the infection is gone. This also prevents the tooth from getting infected again. You may also need to take oral antibiotics.
The Filling
Now that the damaged pulp is gone and the tooth is clean, your dentist will put a sealer paste where the pulp used to be and apply a temporary filling at the top of the tooth. This protects the canals from saliva and other bacteria from going in there and damaging them. You should make a separate appointment for a dental crown procedure once you’ve healed. This will add some extra protection to the tooth.
After the Procedure
It’s finally over, and the infection is gone! Next comes the healing and aftercare. This is perhaps the most important part of the entire process. You’ll want to ensure you take good care of your teeth and mouth to prevent any complications from occurring. This is what your typical post-operative care routine should look like.
Avoid Hot Food or Drinks
You will still be numb for a few hours after the procedure. If you can, avoid eating foods that require chewing to prevent biting too hard on your tooth. Some examples of what you can consume immediately after your root canal are cold soups, stews, or anything soft. You also should not eat or drink anything hot, as you could risk burning your mouth.
Take Your Pain Medication
Pain is normal after any procedure. Make sure to take your pain medication as needed to manage any discomfort you have post-op. Please let your dentist know of any swelling, ongoing pain, or extreme sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks.
Take Extra Care of the Tooth
You’ll want to be extra careful with the affected tooth after your root canal procedure. Try to chew on the opposite side and take caution when brushing the tooth. You don’t want to disrupt the healing process and cause any complications!
Follow Up with The Dentist
We can’t stress this enough! You may have gotten the nasty infection removed from your tooth, but it doesn’t stop there. You need to follow up with your dentist so they can ensure your tooth is healing properly and doesn’t get reinfected. Even if you don’t feel pain, never skip out on following up appointments with your dentist.
Common Reasons People Get Tooth Infections
Tooth infections that require root canal procedures are quite common. In fact, tooth decay and periodontal disease are the two biggest threats to dental health, according to the CDC. Common reasons people get tooth infections include the following:
- Tobacco use
- Trauma to the tooth
- Poor oral hygiene
- Consuming too much sugar
Do You Need a Root Canal in Boynton Beach, FL?
Next time you think you need a root canal, you’ll know exactly what to do! If you’re looking for a dentist who can perform a root canal in Boynton Beach, FL, make sure to call Shapiro Family Dentistry. We’re always happy to give our patients a healthier smile with our dental services. Give us a call now if you have any questions!
