If you’ve been experiencing tooth pain, your dentist may recommend a root canal. While this procedure may sound intimidating, it is designed to restore the health of your tooth in order to avoid extraction. The modern procedure is a standard dental treatment that causes little pain, helping you find relief. The following guide will help prepare you for your upcoming treatment.

Have a Root Canal Scheduled? Here’s What to Expect

What Is a Root Canal?

When the inside of your tooth is infection or has decay, a dentist will perform this procedure to replace the infected tissue. During this treatment, a dentist will remove the infected pulp and clean the inside of the tooth. They will then fill this chamber with a sterile substance to replace the pulp. The result is reduced pain and a healthy tooth.

Why Would You Need One?

If a tooth infection or major decay is left untreated, it can lead to complications. Specifically, the infection can spread beyond the root and cause an abscess. In more severe cases, this infection can cause bone loss at the tip of the root, facial swelling, and drainage in the gums and cheek. By opting for a root canal procedure, a dentist can help you avoid these complications.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Before the treatment begins, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic injection. They will then ensure that the tooth is clean and dry. To start the procedure, the dentist will use a drill or other tool to create an opening in the top of your tooth and remove the infected pulp. They will clean the pulp chamber and then fill it with a rubber-like substance. To finish the treatment, they place a temporary filling on the tooth. After a few weeks, you will come back into the office for a permanent crown.

What Is the Recovery Process Like?

You may experience some inflammation and pain after the procedure, as well as some tooth sensitivity. Your dentist may recommend that you take over-the-counter pain medications, but you should be able to resume your routine the following day. As you are recovering, chew gently and avoid chewing gum until the discomfort goes away. If you experience persistent pain or swelling, be sure to call your dentist to let them know the pain has not subsided, in case they want to see you for follow-up care.

For root canals and other dental treatments, call the team at Rydell Family Dental. Located in Hayward, WI, Dr. Peter E. Rydell and his staff have been serving Sawyer County patients for over 24 years. Their comprehensive dental services include cleanings, dental implants, teeth whitening, bridges, sealants, pediatric dentistry, and more. With their compassionate approach to dental care, they strive to keep your comfortable during every visit. To learn more about their practice or to schedule an appointment, visit them online or call (715) 634-4864.