Before, During and After a Root Canal

Root canal in Naples rescues teeth from serious tooth infections and can save teeth from preventable extractions. This article will describe the signs that might indicate you require a root canal procedure, what to expect during a typical root canal procedure, and how to ensure your quick and complete recovery.

What are the warning signs you might need a root canal?

One of the most challenging aspects of serious infections in the interior of teeth is that many people do not suffer any symptoms. The best way to identify emerging and existing teeth infections are to attend your dentist for regular checkups and dental imaging. When symptoms are present, though, they include the following cluster. If you are experiencing any combination of the following symptoms, you should contact a dentist near you as soon as possible to determine if undergoing a root canal near you is appropriate:

● Persistently swollen and tender gums
● Severe pain in the affected tooth when you bite or apply pressure to the tooth
● A discoloured tooth (particularly when the neighbouring teeth do not seem to be discoloured)
● Sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures that lingers even after the heat or cold substances have been taken away from the tooth
● The presence of recurring sores on your gums

What happens during a root canal procedure?

Root canal surgery is performed by family dentists and specialists in endodontics. Root canal procedures are painless procedures intended to remove all infected material from the inside of a tooth and to eliminate any pain you might be suffering as the result of that infection, including inflammation and pain. Root canal procedures include eight steps:

1. The staff at your dental clinic in Naples will take x-rays to reveal the shape of the root canal inside your tooth and signs of infection

2. A local anesthetic will be applied to the tooth and gums to be treated

3. The team at the dental clinic near you will place a rubber dam around the tooth to be treated to keep saliva away from the area, and material procured by the procedure from entering the rest of your mouth

4. A small hole will be drilled into the tooth to allow access into the chamber of the tooth

5. Infected pulp, decayed nerve material, bacteria, and other infected material will be extracted

6. The interior of the newly infection-free tooth will be cleaned completely

7. Your dentist will either place a temporary filling over the hole made in the tooth (then return a few days later to seal the tooth) or will seal the tooth immediately using gutta-percha

8. Once you have completely healed from the surgery, a crown will be placed over the treated tooth to restore its structural integrity and to prevent future re-infection

What to expect after a root canal procedure

Root canal surgery has a success rate of approximately 95%. The most common lingering effects of root canal surgery in the days following the procedure are tooth sensitivity and some gradually diminishing pain and muscle soreness. Your dentist in Naples will recommend that you take over-the-counter pain medications as directed to deal with any distracting soreness or pain. In most situations, people return to work and normal sedentary activities within a day or two of surgery. For several days following surgery, you should avoid physically strenuous activity and be sure to follow your dentist’s post-operative recovery instructions carefully.

This general introduction to the symptoms of serious infections warranting a root canal and the process of recovery from a root canal are not a substitute for careful conversations with your dentist and following your dentist’s instructions carefully. If you ever experience sensations or symptoms that you do not expect or if your symptoms worsen rather than improve over time, contact your dentist right away.