Root Canal
What to Expect After Root Canal Surgery
A root canal procedure is sometimes required when a tooth has decayed to help avoid infections. Many patients would like to avoid root canals altogether. Dr. Ricafort and his dentistry staff take the time to educate patients about the procedure so they can make an informed decision. If you have questions about whether you may need a root canal procedure or questions about cost, please call our office: 615-890-0474
While Dr. Ricafort is very gentle when performing any dentistry treatment, some patients prefer to be sedated. Sedated dentistry options are available.
WHAT ARE ROOT CANAL TREATMENTS?
Root canals are performed when decay will likely cause damage to one of your teeth. During a root canal treatment, our dentist removes the pulp from the center of your tooth and fills the pulp cavity to help prevent infection that may spread to your other teeth. Root canals are also sometimes performed by dentists to treat infections that occur with an abscessed tooth. Root canals are known as restorative procedures.
WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT POST SURGERY
After receiving root canal surgery, your lips and gums may be numb for a few hours until the anesthesia wears off. It is possible you may have throbbing pain in your mouth later, which is usually reduced with over the counter pain medicines or a pain prescription written by our dentist. Patients generally only experience pain for the next day or two. Be sure to read your post surgery instructions and follow them closely. The instructions will tell you what to expect and when to involve your dentist.
AVOID SEVERE INFECTION – WHY YOU SHOULD NOT WAIT TO SCHEDULE YOUR ROOT CANAL
Root canal surgery should be performed as soon as the oral infection is recognized by your dentist. The urgency of having a root canal treatment is to avoid a resulting severe infection which can damage the bone around the root of the tooth and spread the infection to other teeth.
If your dentist advises you that you already have a severely decayed or infected tooth, you may not want to incur the expense and discomfort of a root canal and subsequent crown fitting. Instead, you may choose to have your dentist simply extract the tooth. The remaining space can be left open or restored with a bridge.
Ricafort Dental Group offers the latest most effective treatments, along with personalized, gentle care that our patients deserve. We consider every patient’s individual wants and needs and create a treatment plan to achieve optimum dental health while keeping esthetics in mind. We make each visit comfortable and every treatment affordable so that you can enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile.