What are root canals?
Root canals are endodontic procedures that treat infected or inflamed tooth pulp. Pulp consists of blood vessels and connective tissue. It helps your permanent tooth come in but isn’t necessary for their long-term survival. By eliminating the pulp, it’s possible to keep your tooth healthy and problem-free.
Why are root canals performed?
Patrick Ryan, DMD, uses root canals to treat tooth pulp that’s damaged or decaying. Common causes of these issues include:
- Weak or damaged teeth
- Teeth with large cavities
- Chips and fractures
- Undergoing oral surgery
If you experience any symptoms of pulp damage, like swelling, increased sensitivity, or a sensation of warmth in the gums, contact Patrick Ryan, DMD, right away.
What does getting a root canal involve?
Root canals typically take two appointments, but Patrick Ryan, DMD, has a CEREC® (chairside economical restoration of esthetic ceramics) milling machine on-site. That means you can get a dental crown on the same day you undergo a root canal, saving the trouble of multiple visits.
First, your provider conducts an oral exam and asks about your symptoms. After assessing the tooth, your provider administers a local anesthetic. Once the anesthesia sets in, they remove the infected or inflamed pulp from the center of your tooth.
Next, they rinse your tooth out with an antiseptic solution and fill it with a rubbery material called gutta-percha. After the gutta-percha dries, your provider takes digital impressions of your tooth. They upload your impressions to a computer program and design a custom crown. After finalizing a design, they transfer it to the CEREC milling machine.
The machine crafts a custom dental crown from a block of ceramic. When it's finished, your provider lines up the crown with your treated tooth and bonds it in place.
What is recovery like following a root canal?
Following a root canal, your treated tooth feels sensitive. To limit any discomfort, eat only soft foods for a few days and chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Continue to brush and floss as normal, but do so gently around your treated tooth. If the pain persists, take over-the-counter pain medication or apply an ice pack to your cheek.
Your new crown might feel awkward at first, but that should subside quickly. If the discomfort persists or prevents you from biting and chewing normally, contact Patrick Ryan, DMD, right away.
To learn more about root canals, make an appointment at the practice of Patrick Ryan, DMD, by calling the nearest office or booking online today.
