When your teeth are severely affected by cavities or infection, you may suffer decay and gum disease that goes deep into the pulp. At this point, a root canal is the only option to save your tooth. The skilled team at Aura Dentistry, Dr. Negar Tehrani, a prosthodontist in McLean and dentist Dr. Chang Yi, can perform a root canal to restore the tooth functionality and preserve your oral health. If you live in or around McLean, Virginia, call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about the root canal treatment.
Who requires root canal treatment?
The first sign that you need a root canal is pain in the mouth. However, other signs that you need to check out for include spots or pimples on the gums, severe pain, gums turning dark, sensitivity to hot and cold drinks, pus or fluid from the gums, discoloration of the affected tooth, and inflamed gums. Sometimes, you may need a root canal from an injury to the mouth that damages the pulp. However, in some cases, you may require a root canal without any physical damage to your teeth. Aura Dentistry offers tooth examination to determine whether you need a tooth canal procedure.
What should you expect during a root canal?
When you go for a root canal at Aura Dentistry, Dr. Tehrani and the team will start by numbing the area surrounding your affected tooth. The doctor will make a small hole in the tooth and clean out the infected pulp. Next, she puts a solution to discourage further infection and fills the tooth with gutta-percha, a rubber-like, biocompatible substance. She will then seal the tooth to complete the root canal. After a root canal, the team will install a crown or prosthetic cap over the tooth to protect it, restore function, and enhance its appearance.
How long does it take to recover from a root canal surgery?
Once your dentist completes the root canal procedure, you will notice a sudden relief from pain. However, the anesthesia will have a mild effect on you, as you might feel uncomfortable. The doctor will prescribe a drug to ease the pain while waiting for the wound to heal. After the procedure, your dentist will give you the care guides to take care of your healing tooth. It would help if you avoided crunchy food days after the procedure. However, after healing, you can go back to using your teeth naturally.
How should you care for a tooth after a root canal?
Immediately after a root canal, you might have slight soreness for some days. However, the severe pain of the infection should be resolved. In case of immediate pain, over-the-counter pain medications can reduce your dscomfort. Root canal long-term care is no different from the usual oral hygiene routine. With daily flossing, twice-a-day brushing, and regular professional cleanings, the root canal will last a lifetime.
In conclusion, cracked or inflamed teeth are uncomfortable and painful. However, with new dentistry developments, you can have a root canal procedure at Aura Dentistry to care for the pain and restore the tooth functionality and appearance. For more information, call or schedule an appointment online today.