Root Canal Treatment

Henderson, NV
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Approximately 15 million Americans receive a root canal treatment every year. Root canals are typically done in response to damage caused by a cavity. However, this can be used to treat any infection that has gotten into the dental pulp inside the tooth. Because this pulp is directly connected to your bloodstream, it is very important that you get the issue treated immediately. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions surrounding root canals that are based on what they used to be.

Today, root canals are quick and painless and recovery typically only takes a few days. We can give you more details on the procedure at Joshua M. Ignatowicz DMD & Associates.

Root Canal Procedure

Root canals may take more than one visit to complete, depending on the severity of the damage. To begin, our dentist will apply anesthetic and use dental technology, such as x-rays, to analyze the damage. Our dentist will also use a dental dam to isolate the tooth and keep it clean during the procedure.

Our dentist will then remove the dental pulp and any remaining tooth decay using a variety of small dental instruments. We will then cleanse the now empty pulp chamber and, potentially, enlarge or reshape it. This makes it easier for our dentist to fill it.

There are a few different materials that can be used to fill the chamber, but the most common is gutta-percha. These cones do not bond to the tooth and, so, they are typically used in combination with a dental sealer. This prevents leaks and any bacteria from getting into the tooth.

After the cones have been placed, you will receive a dental crown which acts as a cap for your tooth. There are a few types of crowns you can get. For example, they come in different materials. You can also get a temporary crown while waiting on a permanent one to be made if it is not available yet. We use dental cement to hold the permanent crown in place one it comes in. We may also need to use a metal post to hold it in place depending on the structure of your tooth.

Root Canal Recovery

Recovery for a root canal should only take a few days. If you do have any pain, swelling, or other symptoms for longer than a few days, you should contact us immediately. During the first day, you will mostly be recovering from the local anesthetic, which can take a few hours. Our dentist may also prescribe pain medication or antibiotics to assist with a smooth recovery.

You will also get more specific instructions for how to take care of your treated tooth. This generally includes avoiding hard or sticky foods for a few days and not chewing on or messing with the tooth. It is possible for a crown to be cracked or damaged. When this occurs, you should schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. Damaged crowns or root canals can lead to infection and further tooth decay if not treated properly.

How Do You Know If You Need A Root Canal?

Regular visits to our dentist well before you start experiencing pain in your teeth are important. However, you should keep an eye out for issues such as persistent tooth pain to know if you need a root canal. Tooth sensitivity upon intake of hot or cold drinks ranging from a dull ache to sharp pain may be another sign.

Tooth discoloration accompanied by trauma to the pulp or inadequate blood supply to the teeth can also signal the need for receiving a root canal. Abscesses and swollen gums caused by dead pulp tissues and cavities that form as a result of bacterial infections create plaque, which chip away at the teeth, and are other signs to consider.

How Long Does A Root Canal Take?

The longevity or brevity of a root canal depends on the damage to the infected tooth. Simple root canal procedures take between 30 minutes to an hour. Complex ones where the extent of infection is significant usually take approximately 90 minutes.

In the root canal procedure, the nerves need to be disinfected and rinsed after they are carved out. It gets more complicated when multiple teeth have been affected.

Do Root Canals Hurt?

The procedure is painless because dentists use local anesthesia. You will only feel pressure sensations while the procedure is done. However, you may experience discomfort and mild pain for a couple of days after the procedure. But this can easily be managed by painkillers, which our dentist will prescribe for you.

How To Avoid A Root Canal

You can prevent root canals by observing general dental hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, using fluoride-based toothpaste, and having regular dental checkups. Limiting sugary foods and having a dentist clean your teeth twice a year are other ways on how to avoid root canal therapy.

Can You Drive After A Root Canal?

Due to it taking time before the anesthesia wears off, it is not safe to drive after a root canal. Because the period differs from one person to the next, it is advisable to have someone drive you.

Can You Eat After A Root Canal?

You can eat after a root canal. However, it is recommended to wait until your gums no longer feel numb; you can easily bite your tongue or cheeks if you eat while feeling numb.

Can You Smoke After A Root Canal?

It is not advisable to smoke after a root canal because it may delay recovery and may lead to an infection or inflammation.

Request A Henderson Dental Appointment Today!

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above visit Joshua M. Ignatowicz DMD & Associates for a root canal in Henderson, NV.

Call us at 702-473-5100 to schedule an appointment today!