Are you currently suffering from a toothache that makes it hard to go about your daily life? Is it impossible to chew, talk, or even smile without pain shooting through your mouth? Fortunately, there is a way for our Naples dentists to put a stop to your toothache fast – root canal therapy. While root canals have a daunting, painful reputation, this procedure actually relieves your dental discomfort by targeting the root of your tooth pain. It also allows us to save your natural tooth from needing to be extracted. If you’re ready for a cure for your severe toothache, give us a call!
A root canal is a procedure wherein one of our dentists will access the decayed or infected center of your tooth and remove the damaged portion. First, we’ll be sure to numb you up with plenty of local anesthetic and possibly even nitrous oxide sedation to ensure you don’t feel a thing during the procedure. Then, we’ll clean out the inside of the tooth, removing the infection. Next, the tooth is sealed up with a gutta-percha material to seal out bacteria and prevent re-infection down the road. Finally, the tooth is topped with a temporary filling or crown. In a few weeks, after your tooth has completely healed, you’ll return to our Naples office for a more permanent restoration.
Root canal therapy is designed to heal an extremely damaged tooth and keep it from requiring an extraction. At Galleria Dentistry, we want to save your natural teeth as much as possible, so we recommend root canal therapy, also called endodontic treatment, when the tooth is too damaged for a filling or crown alone to restore it.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to contact us about whether you need a root canal:
While root canals have a bit of a scary reputation, there is no need to be nervous about endodontic treatment. This is because the procedure itself shouldn’t hurt at all, thanks to advancements in modern dental technology. In fact, the reason root canals are associated with pain is most likely due to the severe toothache that usually necessitates them. However, root canals themselves are not painful. It should be noted that you may experience some soreness after the procedure, but this should fade after a few days. If it doesn’t, then give us a call.
You will probably feel some tenderness around the root canal site for a few days after your treatment, but again, these symptoms should be temporary. They can be easily managed by either taking over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or applying a cold compress to your cheek.
It might also help to avoid chewing crunchy or hard foods on that side of your mouth for a week or so, as it may be painful. We highly recommend sticking to a soft food diet for the first few days.
Lastly, it’s imperative that you take care of your treated tooth with proper oral hygiene. Gently brush and floss the tooth daily. Also, be sure to visit your Naples dentist for a checkup and teeth cleaning every six months. Following these steps can help ensure that your tooth treated with root canal therapy lasts a lifetime!
