Let’s unravel the mysteries surrounding root canal procedures – a common yet sometimes misunderstood aspect of dental care.
At Molonglo Dental Surgery in Canberra, Australia, our expert team ensures that root canal treatments are performed with precision and care, aiming for optimal success rates. However, like any medical or dental procedure, it’s crucial to be informed about potential complications and side effects.
In this article, we’ll delve into the untold facts about root canal procedures, exploring the possibility of pain and various complications that may arise.
Is Root Canal Painful?
The big question on your mind: Is this going to be a painful procedure? It’s true that root canals of yesteryear had a bit of a bad rap. It’s only natural to feel a little jittery about the whole affair. But let’s break it down.
These days, a root canal is simply a routine procedure that helps to evict an infection from the pulp, save that precious tooth of yours, and minimise any chance of reinfection. You might experience discomfort in your mouth for a few days following the treatment, but this can be alleviated with the use of pain relief medication.
At Molonglo Dental Surgery, we’ve fine-tuned the art of painless and easy root canal treatments. It’s not just about fixing the issue – it’s about doing it in a minimally invasive way that preserves your natural tooth for the long run, while managing any pain that may arise using a host of medication and sedation options.
Pain Management During Root Canal Therapy
When the need for a root canal arises, your dentist takes charge with a targeted approach to pain management. A localised anaesthetic is skilfully administered to the affected area, alleviating root canal pain and ensuring a numbed experience throughout the procedure.
The core of the root canal procedure revolves around addressing the diseased pulp while safeguarding the integrity of the remaining tooth structure. Your dentist will examine and clean the root canals, removing any infected areas in the process.
Combatting the infection involves the strategic application of antibacterial medicine, precisely inserted into the affected area. A potential follow-up visit may be recommended, allowing your dentist to assess the effectiveness of the prescribed medication.
Once satisfaction with the treatment is achieved, the tooth is definitively sealed — often culminating in the placement of a crown to restore both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your tooth.
Post-Op Pain Management
Just like any surgical procedure, post-treatment pain may occur after root canal treatment. Considering the pre-existing infection’s impact on the surrounding gum, lingering swelling and periradicular inflammation may persist after the procedure. It’s not uncommon to experience some discomfort in the treated tooth.
Patience becomes paramount as the healing process unfolds, gradually diminishing swelling and allowing the soft tissues to recover. Over-the-counter pain relief medications can play a role in alleviating discomfort, and your dentist might prescribe a more potent pain relieve along with antibiotics. Soothing the area with a warm salt water rinse can also contribute to your comfort.
For a few days, steer clear of very hot or cold foods and drinks, and opt for tooth-friendly options like soft fruits, yogurts, oatmeal, smoothies, and soups. You should also refrain from consuming excessively hard foods during this recovery phase.
To tackle swelling during the initial 24 hours post-surgery, intermittently applying a cold compress to the outer jaw can prove beneficial. While the instinct may be to avoid the treated area, maintaining your oral hygiene routine is crucial.
Root canal procedures, when performed by experienced professionals, are highly successful in saving teeth and preventing further complications. If you have any concerns, our doors at Molonglo Dental Surgery are always open to address them.
If you have a question or wish to book an appointment with our Friendly Canberra Dentist in Molonglo Valley, contact Molonglo Dental Surgery at 02 6287 1222.
