When dental emergencies occur, such as a tooth that becomes so infected or damaged it becomes inflamed and painful, you may be advised to get a root canal. Root canals are common procedures that are done to relieve pain from a diseased tooth, without removing the tooth. Although root canals have a reputation for being unpleasant, today’s techniques make them easy and painless. At Porteous Family Dentistry, we provide expert root canal procedures for patients near Hercules, CA.
Root Canals in Hercules, CA
How A Root Canal Can Save Your Tooth and Relieve Pain
Tooth infection is one of the most common dental emergencies. A root canal is a procedure that removes the infected pulp inside a tooth, disinfects the void it creates and fills it with a special material called gutta percha. After the procedure, a crown or filling may be placed on the tooth to further strengthen it. This process removes the infection from the tooth that often occurs in dental emergencies, but preserves the natural tooth.
A root canal can help you avoid removal of the tooth and the expensive replacement with bridgework or an implant. Because natural teeth function much better than prosthetic teeth, your dentist near Hercules, CA may decide it’s a good idea to try to preserve the tooth with a root canal.
What To Expect During Your Root Canal Procedure
First, your dentist near Hercules, CA will examine and x-ray your tooth to determine the source and extent of the damage or infection. If root canals are indicated, the dentist will then anesthetize the area around the tooth, so you do not have discomfort during the procedure. A dam is put in position to isolate the tooth. Then, a small access point is drilled into the tooth to allow the dentist to remove the infected pulp.
The tooth interior is then carefully cleaned and shaped to accept the replacement dental material. A special file is used to hollow out the tooth to accept and hold the gutta percha. After the tooth is filled with the material, the dentist will fill the access point, and the procedure is complete. If you need a crown placed over the treated tooth, this procedure will be done a few weeks after your root canal.
What should you consider when choosing a dentist for a root canal procedure?
- Experience and Expertise: Choose a dentist with specialized training and extensive experience in performing root canal treatments for optimal results.
- Aftercare and Follow-up: Make sure to understand the importance of aftercare and schedule necessary follow-up appointments to ensure a successful recovery.
- Advanced Technology: Inquire about the technology and equipment used during the procedure to ensure comfort and efficiency.
- Address Concerns: Discuss any concerns or questions about the root canal process with your dentist before the treatment to feel more confident.
Post-Root Canal Care and Recovery Tips
After your root canal procedure, your dentist near Hercules, CA will provide instructions for at-home care. Most people experience only mild discomfort after a root canal procedure, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. You may have some tenderness in the area of the treated tooth or soreness in the jaw from holding it open during the procedure.
You should avoid chewing on the side of the treated tooth for a few days after root canals. Brush and floss your teeth carefully around the treated tooth. If you have significant pain, swelling or feel the tooth is uneven, contact your dentist, who is always available for dental emergencies. You will return to the dentist’s office for placing a crown over the treated tooth in a few weeks, if it is needed.
Choose Porteous Family Dentistry When You Need Root Canal Care
Root canals don’t have to be a stressful experience. Our extensive training allows us to provide superior care for dental emergencies, so you can get back to your usual activities quickly. Make Porteous Family Dentistry your choice for all your dental health needs.
We offer a full range of dental care services for our patients, including teeth cleaning, crowns, bridges, oral surgery, root canals, cosmetic dental procedures and dental emergencies. Contact Porteous Family Dentistry near Hercules, CA, today for professional, compassionate care for dental emergencies when you need a root canal.