The purpose of root canal therapy is to preserve your natural tooth while eliminating an infection. A root canal infection occurs when decay enters the inner chamber of your tooth. Without treatment, the tooth will not be able to receive vital nutrients and may need to be extracted. If your tooth is extracted, it is important that you replace the tooth, preferably with a dental implant supported restoration, to restore the tooth from root to crown. Our staff uses advanced dental techniques that are designed to improve the success rate of the procedure while cutting down on your discomfort. With proper aftercare, you can preserve your natural tooth for years to come.
The nerve root canal system of a tooth is shaped like a tree, with the nerves spreading out like tree branches. It is only possible to clean the trunk of the root canal system and not the branches themselves. This results in a 90-95% success rate as a nationwide average. When addressing your root canal infection, we always keep your comfort in mind. Root canal infections are often painful, which is why prompt treatment at our dental clinic is often necessary. When cleaning and disinfecting your tooth during root canal therapy, we use a biological technique that helps eliminate bacteria. Following the surgery, we use a special sealant to secure your tooth. All of the techniques we use deliver the highest success rate possible to prevent potentially painful complications.
Helpful Information
According to the Dental Association, nearly 70% of patients report pain as a top concern following root canal therapy. Following the procedure, you may experience mild discomfort and sensitivity as the local anesthetic wears off. This period of discomfort should subside within a few days following surgery.
Keep in mind that any pain should be manageable using over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. We do recommend appropriate pain medications while ensuring that the medications do not interact with any prescriptions or supplements you may already be taking. In the first day or two following your root canal procedure, you should avoid chewing hard foods as this can aggravate your recovering tooth.
Helpful Tips
Many of our patients have reduced discomfort following root canal therapy by following these tips:
- Sleep with an elevated pillow
- Gargle with saltwater
- Apply an icepack near the surgical site
- Perform excellent oral hygiene habits
- Avoid hard foods until your tooth completely recovers
- Avoid hot or cold food and drinks
- Follow recovery guidelines carefully
Why Root Canal Therapy
Our goal is to provide ways to save your natural teeth with the highest possible success rate. The loss of a tooth can be psychologically devastating and the alternatives to replacement can be even more expensive than a root canal itself. If not replaced, the loss of a tooth can have dire consequences, such as: bone loss, teeth movement, collapsing bite, and cosmetic concerns. If you are experiencing tooth pain, contact us to schedule a consultation. We can help determine whether root canal therapy is right for you.
