Explaining The Root Canal Procedure, Step By Step
No one deserves to be living in pain because of their teeth. If you think you are in need of a root canal, book a consultation with Yorkshire Dental Suite.
Root canals are a misunderstood treatment in our opinion. Many patients are scared of this dental procedure, when it is in fact painless and an effective solution for damaged and decayed teeth.
To help you better understand root canals and ease your nerves surrounding them, we have broken down the procedure step by step, while also giving you an idea of what the entire process will look like.
Root canal consultation
It all starts with a consultation. In this appointment, your dentist will carry out an X-ray to confirm that there is damage caused by a bacterial infection, and that a root canal is definitely needed. If you are then happy to go ahead with treatment, payment will be taken and your procedure is booked in.
Preparing for a root canal
What should I not do before a root canal? Avoid smoking, vaping or drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours before the day of your surgery. These habits can make anaesthesia less effective and slows down healing.
If you are feeling particularly nervous, try to get a full night’s sleep. Make sure you have eaten and drunk plenty of water on the morning of your treatment to help minimise the risk of fainting. Plus, we recommend waiting at least 3 hours before eating while your mouth regains feeling, so you may feel hungry later on in the day.
Root canal procedure
Root canals are done under sedation or local anaesthetic. No pain is felt during the treatment, but there will be a slight pinch of the needle as your mouth is being prepped for the procedure. If the latter concerns you, you are able to have a numbing cream applied.
- A piece of flexible rubber is placed inside the mouth, covering everything but the infected tooth. This keeps it clean and dry
- A small hole is made in the tooth
- Using tiny instruments, your dentist cleans everything out of the hole, including the nerves, tissues and blood vessels
- The inside of the tooth is then disinfected with a liquid
- The tooth is sealed with a temporary filling, signalling the end of your appointment
- Your final appointment includes returning to the clinic to have the tooth either permanently filled or topped with a crown
How long does a root canal procedure take? It depends on the anatomy of your tooth. On average, it takes between 60 and 90 minutes. If the case is more complex, your root canal may take multiple appointments to complete.
Root canal recovery
Caring for your teeth after root canal treatment is relatively simple. The experts at Yorkshire Dental Suite have put together our top tips on how to ensure a smooth and safe recovery following your root canal procedure.
Tip | When | Why |
Stick to a soft food diet | First 48 hours | Relieves pressure caused by biting and chewing |
Avoid smoking | First 72 hours | Impacts the body’s ability to heal |
Avoid drinking alcohol | First 72 hours | Impacts the body’s ability to heal |
Avoid exercise | First 48 hours | Prevents swelling and bleeding |
Maintain great oral hygiene | Always | Protects the tooth against infection and decay |
Apply an ice-pack | When needed | Minimises swelling and inflammation |
Use over-the-counter pain medication | When needed | Eases discomfort and swelling |
If pain, swelling and bleeding persists | This could indicate an issue such as an infection |
A question we often receive is, how can I make my root canal heal faster? Something important to note is that everyone heals at a different rate. However, the aforementioned tips are able to support a successful recovery.
Conclusion:
If your tooth is in need of a root canal, do not delay treatment and book a consultation today. Avoiding the dentist may lead to further complications, pain and expensive dental procedures in the future.