If you have been told by a dentist in Grande Prairie that you require root canal therapy, you may feel a little overwhelmed at the idea of undergoing such a procedure. Thanks to the media, many people believe that root canal treatment is painful and scary. Luckily, the reality is that root canal treatment is a painless procedure that protects your teeth and promotes optimal oral health.
In this blog post, our team at Northern Dental Centre tells you all you need to know about getting root canal treatment near you, so you can feel prepared and confident about undergoing this dental procedure.
Contents
What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is performed to remove the infected portion of the tooth’s pulp. The pulp holds all the important nutrients and blood vessels that keep your tooth alive. Without root canal treatment, a tooth with infected or compromised pulp will die and need to be extracted.
When you visit a dentist near you for root canal therapy, you can expect the process to be simple and painless. The procedure will begin with your dentist administering a local anesthetic to the affected area to ensure that you do not feel any pain. Next, they will drill a small access hole into the tooth to access and remove the infected pulp before disinfecting the area and reshaping the canals. Finally, they will place a temporary dental filling in the hole.
Once you have had some time to heal, you will need to come back to your dental office to get the temporary filling removed and replaced with a custom-made dental crown to strengthen and protect your tooth, completing your treatment.
What Can You Expect Immediately Following Your Treatment?
The effects of the local anesthesia can last anywhere from 2-5 hours following root canal treatment in Grande Prairie. Once the anesthesia wears off, you may notice some discomfort that can be alleviated with the use of over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. Your dentist may prescribe you a stronger painkiller to help stave off any anticipated pain in rare circumstances.
What and When Can You Eat?
It is important that you do not eat right away after getting a root canal. It takes about one hour for the temporary dental filling on your tooth to set, and as mentioned above, it takes at least two hours for the numbing in your mouth to wear off. Avoid eating any solid foods until your mouth is no longer numb and your filling has been set. When you do begin eating, try not to chew on the side of the affected tooth, and stick to a soft food diet for the first couple of days following root canal therapy in Grande Prairie.
Dealing With Inflammation and Swelling
You will likely experience some swelling around the tissues supporting the affected tooth when you get root canal treatment. This is a normal body response to the treatment and not a cause for alarm. The best way to deal with post-procedure swelling and inflammation is to use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek several times a day for 15-minute intervals.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
The best way to recover quickly and without complications following root canal treatment is to get as much rest and relaxation as possible. Try to avoid exercising or strenuous activity for the first couple of days after your procedure.
Most people can get back to their regular routine after about one week. If you notice persistent pain and discomfort past one week, visit your dentist for a checkup. This could be an indication that the infection has not been completely removed or that the crown has not been properly placed.
Other Considerations
Your dentist will be able to tell you what to expect following your procedure, and it is important that you follow their instructions carefully to recover without complications. If any unexpected complications arise, you need to speak to your dentist immediately. Potential complications that warrant a visit to the dentist include bleeding, severe pain, increased swelling, and fever.
Visit Northern Dental Centre
If you are interested in learning more about root canal treatment, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated team of dental professionals at Northern Dental Centre. Our dentist is happy to provide you with a comprehensive oral examination and high-quality root canal therapy if necessary. Please contact us to book your appointment today.