Do you have tooth pain? Depending on the severity of your tooth problem, it may be advisable to undergo a root canal procedure. While this is a fairly routine dental procedure, many patients will not know the types of issues that are corrected with root canals or what they should expect from undergoing this procedure.
What Are The Dental Problems That Are Corrected By Root Canal Procedures?
Root canals are often needed when a patient has developed an infection or internal decay in their tooth. If the infected tissue is not removed from the tooth, the disease will spread until it has completely destroyed the tooth. During the root canal process, the soft tissue inside the tooth is removed. Once this has been done, a filler is used to help strengthen the tooth. At the end of this procedure, the infected tissue will be removed, but the tooth will retain its strength and durability.
What Should A Patient Expect During Their Recovery From The Root Canal?
It is a fairly common mistake for people to dramatically overestimate the difficulty or length of the recovery that they should expect following their root canal. For most patients, the recovery period from the root canal will be fairly short and minor. In fact, individuals will often be able to return to their work or school obligations immediately after the procedure. While their mouth may be slightly numb or sore in the hours after the procedure, a patient should still be able to function well enough for their normal obligations. When eating after the root canal, you may want to prefer soft foods for the first couple of days as your mouth may have residual soreness.
Will The Tooth That Undergoes A Root Canal Be More Sensitive As A Result Of The Procedure?
When a person gets a cavity filled, they may find that their tooth is consistently more sensitive in the future. However, this is not typically what should be expected from a root canal. During this procedure, the nerve in the tooth may be removed, which can completely eliminate the risk of the tooth being significantly more sensitive following this procedure. In fact, if a patient finds that they are experiencing elevated sensitivity in their tooth, they may want to schedule a follow-up visit with their dentist to ensure that the root canal process removed all of the infection and decay from inside the tooth as well as verify that the crown has been properly placed on it.
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