It could be time to opt for a root canal procedure if you have the following:
- A big cavity or decay
- A broken, cracked or chipped tooth.
- Swollen gums
- Painful tooth on biting
- Tooth decay with severe sensitivity to hot or cold
- Our dentist will first take an X-ray of the tooth to check the infection’s extent and the root canals’ shape.
- We will then give you local anaesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding areas. A rubber dam sheet will be placed in your mouth to keep the tooth dry for the entire procedure.
- The dentist will make a small hole in your tooth to reach the root canals. Small files will be used to remove the pulp tissue and clean the canals properly. The canals will be frequently irrigated with water or sodium hypochlorite to flush away the debris.
- The canal is then filled with a unique filling material called gutta-percha and sealed. Sometimes, we also place a medicated paste inside the canal to help in tooth healing.
Following are some tips to take care of your tooth following a root canal treatment
- Do not eat for at least 1-2 hours after your root canal since your lips, gums and tongue will be numb. You might bite on your soft tissues or burn them from hot food.
- Avoid chewing on the side of the root canal treated tooth for 24 hours to allow the filling or crown to set appropriately.
- After the anaesthesia wears off, you might experience some pain, tenderness or soreness. The pain can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen.
- If your dentist has prescribed antibiotics, take them for the required time (even if you do not have signs of infection).
- Between appointments, it is common for a part of the temporary filling to break and come off. However, if the entire filling comes out, go back to your dentist and get it refilled.
- Contact your dentist if you have pain, tenderness, swelling or uneven bite for more than three days after the procedure.