If you’re suffering from a painful tooth infection or injury and have been told by your dentist that you need a root canal, it’s natural to be a little nervous. After all, with so much misinformation out there about this smile-saving treatment, it’s easy to feel scared. But the good news is that despite what you may have heard, root canals are nothing to be afraid of. In fact, most people feel immediate relief following treatment. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect from this procedure, and why getting one is actually a good thing!
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a treatment performed on an infected or damaged tooth. While many Hollywood tropes imply that they’re painful, this couldn’t be further from the truth. For starters, before your dentist begins any work on your smile, they will numb the affected area, so you are completely comfortable. Next, they will open up the tooth and remove the infected pulp that is causing the pain. Then, they will fill it with a synthetic material that supports it and prevents further infection, preventing the need for an extraction. Finally, the tooth will be sealed and protected with either a filling or a dental crown.
What Can I Expect During Recovery?
Recovering from a root canal is not as bad as urban legends would have you believe. In fact, most patients report an immediate improvement once the numbing has worn off. Although your tooth will likely still be sore for a few days, this discomfort is usually well managed with the help of over the counter or prescribed pain relievers and much less intense than it was before treatment.
During the first few days after your procedure, avoid biting down on the tooth. Eat a soft diet until your mouth feels better and be sure to keep your teeth clean with regular brushing and flossing.
How Can I Prevent Future Tooth Infections?
Following your root canal, it is extremely important that you maintain your oral health. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist twice a year for your biannual exam and cleaning appointments. Furthermore, you can lower your risk of future dental problems by eating a diet that is low in sugar and carbohydrates.
Remember, while the rumor mill may make getting a root canal seem scary, the truth is that this smile-saving procedure was designed to relieve pain and protect your teeth from further damage and is nothing to worry about!
About Our Practice
At Splendid Smiles Dental Studio, our husband and wife team of dentists, Dr. Ashish Nayak and Dr. Sachi Brahmbhatt want you to feel safe and comfortable about your upcoming root canal. While we know hearing you need a dental treatment can be scary, we’re proud to offer compassionate, gentle care for all treatments, and even provide sedation dentistry options. If you’re interested in learning more about sedation dentistry, please call us at 540-680-4880 prior to your appointment, or if you’d like to book your root canal without this option you can do so on our website.