A root canal is one of the most feared dental procedures due to many reasons. In the past, modern dentistry didn’t exist, and the treatment was not as gentle as it is today. Also, when you need to undergo a root canal near you, you may have a severe toothache, and the fact of thinking that our dentist in Winnipeg will do some dental work in that tooth causes anxiety and stress.
However, we can assure that nowadays, techniques are more modern, quicker, and safer for the patient. The days of fearing the dentist are long gone, and we should be thankful for the root canal in Winnipeg, as it avoids your tooth from getting extracted, and preserves it for many more years.
The most common reasons for the pulp to be damaged are trauma and tooth decay. Sure, infected teeth that require a root canal may be asymptomatic, but it is not the usual. Some of the symptoms include intense pain when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and drinks, pain when chewing, swelling in the gum, and tooth discoloration.
Root Canal Therapy
If you have any concerns about the treatment, the endodontists at our dental clinic in Winnipeg will clarify all of them before the procedure.
A root canal consists of the removal of the infected pulp inside the tooth. The doctor disinfects the chamber and canals and seals them with a biocompatible material. Afterward, he or she will place a provisional cement; and in another appointment, the permanent dental crown.
Even though the effectiveness rate of the therapy is of 95%, like any other dental procedure, root canals have a slight risk of complications, being the most common the re-infection. A re-infection can happen when a dentist misses an infected canal or when the sealing material breaks down over time. If you feel severe pain the following days, contact your endodontist as soon as possible.
Choosing a skilled dentist specialized in endodontics is the key to a smooth treatment and a better recovery. While general dentists perform root canals, they lack the additional two or three years of training that endodontists take to deal with any tooth that might need endodontic treatment. So, if you think you need to undergo root canal therapy, look for an experienced professional. You may contact our dental office and schedule a consultation visit with our doctors, as they will be looking forward to helping you relieve your pain and save your tooth.
What to Do After the Procedure
Even though root canal treatment has come a long way and it is now nearly pain-free, you will normally feel mild discomfort during the first days. Here’s what to do to alleviate these symptoms:
1. Painkillers – You may alleviate these symptoms with any over-the-counter pain medication, like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen.
2. Rely on your endodontist – As we mentioned above, mild to moderate discomfort can be experienced during the first week. If the pain persists longer than that, contact your endodontist as soon as possible.
3. Ice packs – Applying ice packs on and off will help to soothe the pain and relieve the swelling.
4. Saltwater – You may dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a glass of water (make sure the water is warm), and try saltwater gargles a couple of times a day.
5. Elevate your pillows – When sleeping, keep your head elevated with pillows so you can avoid irritation
If you follow these recommendations, you will be able to resume your daily activities the day after the root canal without further issues.
In case you have any other concerns, feel free to contact us.